Hi, I’m Makayla Elks, a storyteller, strategist, and creative thinker with a bachelor’s degree in Media and Journalism on the Advertising and Public Relations track from UNC-Chapel Hill. My work lives at the intersection of design, marketing, and culture, driven by curiosity and a deep respect for the details.

I’ve never been one to stay in a single lane. From managing content and designing promotional campaigns to building brand stories across fashion, lifestyle, and digital platforms, I bring both creative vision and strategic intention to everything I do. My experiences span from Barcelona to local brands in the South, each one shaping how I approach problems, people, and purpose.

I believe good ideas deserve great execution…and a little style, too!

I’m always growing toward the version of myself I want to be, while never losing sight of what’s gotten me here.

Let’s make this quick:

Tar Heel

Foodie

Fashion icon (according to my Instagram comment section)

Sister

Creator

ADHD warrior

Spin class superstar

Extrovert

Stranger to none

Circa 2003. Born into a generation that’s seen it all—from the rise of social media to the fall of attention spans. I’d like to think I’ve mastered the art of balancing digital life while keeping a firm grasp on the real world.

On May 10th, I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and closed the chapter on a beautiful life I built for myself in blue heaven. Leaving wasn’t easy. Carolina gave me more than a degree; it gave me a sense of purpose, community, and confidence. But now, I’m walking toward what’s next and ready to build something just as meaningful, wherever I go.

Born and raised in North Carolina—Greenville, to be exact. I’ve always felt lucky to call this beautiful state home. But it’s the summers spent away and my adventures abroad that have sparked a deep desire to explore beyond its borders after graduation. Traveling solo and moving to unfamiliar places without a built-in network of friends has given me the mental and emotional capacity not only to survive but to thrive in new environments. While I’ll always have love for my home state, I’m ready for the next chapter, wherever that may take me.

In my early years, I was the quintessential 'why’ kid, the one who questioned the world endlessly, driving everyone up a wall. I can proudly say that my insatiable curiosity is one trait I've held onto, much to the amusement (or perhaps mild annoyance) of those around me. This characteristic has shaped me into a lifelong learner. My friends know that one of my favorite one-liners is: "Every day’s a school day." I find myself consistently questioning and dissecting the world around me. The ever-persistent 'why' lingers in my mind. Why did they do that? What factors led them to behave in that way? How is that structured, and why does it function in that particular way? The pursuit of understanding is a constant thread in my journey. This inquisitiveness translates to every aspect of my life, and it enriches every part of who I am.