We had the good fortune of connecting with Mayola Charles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mayola, what do you attribute your success to?
First, I think it’s important to acknowledge that one’s definition of success is subjective. I believe my success is a result of setting audacious but achievable goals. I enjoy taking risks, and it has been through these moments of uncertainty driven by my passion for social change through storytelling, art and media that have been the most formative in my life and career. Finally, as cliché as it sounds – work /life balance. Admittedly, only recently have I been able to recognize when the two are imbalanced, but my journey toward maintaining this balance has only contributed positively toward my overall growth and continued personal and professional success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love working at the intersection of social impact and entertainment. What was once considered a niche area of interest has become standard practice within the entertainment industry. In fact, when I first decided to pursue a career in entertainment and social impact, it was difficult because there were no 1:1 examples of this type of work. I had to rely heavily on my passions/instincts. I had just earned my MA in International Affairs, quit a great job that was in my field, moved across the country to meet with a lot of like-minded individuals in tangential industries to begin building my network. I took various jobs just to hone my skills and understand where I could make the most impact. I’m proud of my career journey – it taught me to be bold and has reminded me that hard work does pay off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My entire 6 year stint in LA has been spent in Silver Lake so admittedly my favorite hangouts are mostly on the East Side. Some of my favorite spots include: Maru Coffee, Clark Street Bread, Night + Market Song, Cafe Stella, and Bar Henry. Majordomo is my all time favorite restaurant in the city. One of my favorite things to do alone or with a friend is walk to then hike up to the Observatory. CA is so beautiful, so weekend trips outside of LA are a must – Ojai is top of my list!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The dozens of women who have guided and continue to guide me through my career building journey via unwavering support, mentorship and fellowship – thank you!

Instagram: @mayola

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayolacharles/

Image Credits
Gianna Dorsey Photography (@GiannaSnapped)

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