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

Hi TaKayla, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
‘What is life without risk?’ If you ask me, it’s boring. Stepping into photography I have learned to love the feeling of being uncomfortable. Allowing yourself to become uncomfortable brings you growth. You either win, or you learn. In my opinion, you only fail when taking risks if you take a lesson as a loss. There was a point in time where I feared being uncomfortable and in turn it only lead to constant frustration and disappointment when I realized both my personal and career goals were not being fulfilled. I now feel as though if I’m not taking risks, I’m not living, only surviving.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been both an artist and creative for as long as I can recall. Drawing and writing were my first loves. Music and dace came second. Leaving fashion and photography last. I would say being not only talented but skilled in multiple creative outlets sets me apart from others. I can find art and beauty in almost any and everything and apply that to my work hence my business / pseudonym ‘Meraki’. Which in greek means ‘the soul, creativity or love put into something; the essence of yourself that is put into your work’. I apply each outlet into my photography and creative direction. To know my work is to know me. and that is what I believe got me where I am today in my profession. Though I’ve just begun, I know that by being myself and using my work as an outlet my growth potential is limitless. It probably sounds like it’ll be a breeze but for me it’s not. Until recently, I’d put all creative parts of myself away. It wasn’t until I had my son that I allowed myself to be vulnerable again though art. Being said, I’m very sensitive and critical of my work as it is truly a part of who I am and my story. Telling that story keeps me pretty restless.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Museums and parks are always my go to in any city on any given day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Outside of God, my son and my family there’s Paul, aka PK. Founder and CEO of PK PRO The Company. Paul truly has an eye for talent. With his guidance, I was able to rediscover my artistic capacities and truly bring them back to light. I’ve witnessed him open doors for others and I’d have to say its truly inspiring. He himself is an artist with a plethora of both talent and knowledge on several different areas in the industry. He uses that to bring together artist and creatives, all at different levels in their careers, to create magic. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it or anyone be as passionate and dedicated to their vision. It’s never for his own benefit and for that reason alone is why he holds a high level of both love and respect from not only me but from others. So, my shoutout without hesitation goes to PK, I honestly wouldn’t be here without him.

Website: www.merakiraw.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/themerakiraw

Other: Email: info@merakiraw.com

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