The battle of chasing your dreams versus being comfortable is the ultimate struggle. Sometimes I want to risk it all.. throw up my hands.. walk out.. quit this job.. quit this “life”.. and start anew. But then I remember I have bills and laugh it off. For me the risk is not something that I envision to be apart of my reality. However, some people actually take that gut wrenching risk, step out on faith, and chase their dreams. I admire those individuals. Their stories inspire me. Which is why I chose to interview Makenzie. She stepped out on prayer to chase her dreams. Makenzie left her hometown of Louisville, KY for the fast paced Los Angeles, CA. That leap of faith landed her the opportunity to work side by side with Keyshia Cole and the perk of being on her nationally televised show “Keyshia Cole: All In” which airs on BET. Check out the interview below where we go “All In” with Makenzie, and discuss her journey, her fears, and her successes.
The Journey…
-How did you go from Louisville, KY to Los Angeles, CA working with Keyshia Cole and making appearances on BET?
I really wanted to work in Fashion PR so I made the move to LA. Out here everyone is a potential opportunity. Either they’re interning, working with someone, or working on a project. Through networking I was able to connect with Keyshia Cole’s old assistant. One day I’m in the nail shop and then I get a call asking if I would come meet Keyshia Cole for an interview. As soon as they asked I was like “Uh yea!” I literally went from the nail shop to interview with Keyshia Cole and then was on the show. I know it’s probably not the best answer but that’s how it happened. God just blesed me with this opportunity.
-On the show you were listed as Keyshia Cole’s “possible assistant”. Did you get the job?
Yes, and it was an amazing opportunity. I was able to be a part of planning the album release party, promoting the album, production of the show, and be her assistant through it all. I’ve only been in LA for about 8 months so for me the opportunity was huge. I was always a fan! The personal assistant position was temporary, but I still keep in close contact.
-Before making that move to LA, what was the biggest fear you had to overcome to take that leap of faith?
Money! I’m going to be honest I was really afraid of moving to LA. For me it was hard to focus on balancing the dream and survival. I was thinking how am I going to intern when I won’t even be getting paid enough. Jobs in the entertainment industry are sometimes free-lance so you really have to be prepared. Sometimes you’ll have a job and sometimes you won’t. But, I had to stay committed, focused, and prayerful! Literally praying all day long that I’ll make it through! After overcoming these obstacles you become aware of your abilities. But, that was my biggest fear, and still is sometimes…
-Now that you can look back on your journey, was facing your fears worth it?
Yes! I believe that’s the reason we go to church to build our faith right…? God won’t lead us and then leave us. I am a child of God, and can do all things through him. I think everyone should take that leap of faith at some point in their life. There are so many things going on in bigger cities that we may never see in Louisville. There are all kinds of career opportunities in LA. It’s a melting pot that opens your eyes to different mindsets, cultures, and style. I love it!
-What advice would you give to people who decide to take that leap of faith?
Just to stay focused. You can easily lose focus and get distracted by all that’s going on like the partying and the celebrities. A lot of people get discouraged and then end up giving up to go back to their comfort zone. They lose sight of what they really wanted and what their dreams were originally. So I would just say stay focused.
Working with Keyshia Cole…
-I always hear crazy stories about personal assistants & their bosses. For example Tyrese recently fired his assistant because he forgot to pack a certain pair of shoes he needed. Were there ever any crazy moments like this between you and Keyshia?
Well there was this one time I left VIP and….. Actually, I’ll keep that one to myself. Sorry!
-We’ll let you keep that secret for now, but what we do need to know about is the “celebrity” life. Most people imagine the life of a celebrity to be so great, now that you’ve seen the other side would you say that the grass is greener on the other side?
Yes, I would! I mean they have issues just like we do. As you can see on the show, she struggles with life’s up & downs, but life is always like 54 times better when you’re doing what you love. And can I just add that having security in a party is the Sh#t!
-What key lessons did you take away from the experience of working with Keyshia Cole?
That in the industry and just in life period you need to be aggressive about your dreams. Be aggressive about what you want and just do it. You can’t just sit around and think about it, be a bystander, and watch everybody else. Whatever it is that you want you have to go after it, you never know what the end of your story is. Isn’t that what Frankie said on the show? *Laughs*
-Speaking of Frankie, she’s definitely a character. On the show there is a scene where they are yelling at Frankie about her etiquette. Does she really act like that all the time?
Somebody is always getting on Frankie about something. That’s why I tried to take up for her about eating with her hands on that episode. *Laughs* Everything with Frankie is outrageous…her comments and actions.
– Since you worked so closely with Keyshia & Frankie, help us get to know them a little better with this game of “Keyshia or Frankie”…
- Who’s better for the turn up?
I would say Keyshia’s better for the turn up. Frankie’s….too much! - Who normally wins the arguments?
Keyshia lets Frankie win the arguments. Everybody would probably rather let her win the argument. Wouldn’t you? - Who was more needy?
Frankie is very needy. She loves the attention. Keyshia isn’t needy at all. - Who has better style?
Keyshia has better style…always!!
Makenzie…
-So now you’ve worked with Keyshia Cole, and you’ve been on a nationally televised show, but outside of what we’ve seen on TV who is Makenzie and what are your ultimate career goals?
Makenzie is still the same eclectic, strong, optimistic, and humble Gemini! I aspire… I aspire to live! I am still discovering new talents and interests everyday. I am focused on building my profile for the industry. I’m exploring new journeys and I’m willing to take on any opportunities that come my direction. Ultimately, I’d love to get more into public relations so that I can work behind the scenes of celebrities helping them build their brand. Your brand speaks volumes for you in your career, and guarantees long term success and satisfaction.
Thanks to Makenzie for doing the interview! She definitely motivated me to make my dream for this brand a reality. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @fayze_seven. You can also look out for her on the show “Keyshia Cole: All In” which airs on BET on Tuesdays at 10P/9C. Click here to see a clip of her on the show!
