When it comes to multifaceted talent, no one sets the blueprint quite like Mikaila Murphy. The dancer has continued to build a strong brand defined by Mikaila’s exquisite choreography, stunning modeling work, acting skills, and the authentic voice she leads with when captivating a community of followers dedicated to her continued growth as a performer.
Mikaila, a content creator truly in a league of her own, embarked on an inspiring journey that began during her time as a college student in Michigan. While struggling to make ends meet, Mikaila stayed focused on her craft, and remained determined to see her name in the spotlight. Her big break occurred when her renowned dance videos gained popularity at just 20 years old. Mikaila’s deep-rooted passion for dance began when she was kid, thanks to the unwavering support of her cherished grandfather. He encouraged her to take her first steps on the dance floor at the age of three. Since that pivotal moment, her love for dance has flourished, propelling her to share her extraordinary talent with the world through various social media platforms. Mikaila’s captivating performances and undeniable charm have cultivated a devoted following, as she continues to mesmerize audiences with her fearless and bold moves.
We spoke exclusively to Mikaila about her journey to the top, and what keeps her dauntlessly driven toward achieving all of her goals.
What inspired you to start dancing and choreographing?
My grandpa inspired me! When I was little (around 2 years old) he used to babysit me and we would watch and dance around to Shirley Temple together! I wanted to tap dance like her so he encouraged my mom to put me in my first tap class at 3 years old!
Who did you look up to growing up?
I looked up to my grandparents. They are the most giving people in the world even when they had nothing, they would still find something to give to everyone around them. I wanted to grow up to be as kind and giving as them. They were and are currently always there for me when I need them, and I can pretty much guarantee I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now if it weren’t for them!
You do so many different things, you dance, choreograph, model, and sing. How do you do it all?
What motivates you to keep going every day? I do it all because I simply love it all. It’s easy to work when you love your work, and I’m so blessed that I get to do what I love for a living! I’m a very self motivated person, whenever I get into a slump I just think back to a few years ago when I was a broke college student in Livonia Michigan with nothing but a dream. To see how far I’ve come in 3 years and realizing I am LIVING my dream currently just pushes me to keep going, because all the things I can do are literally all within my reach.
What is your favorite activity to stay in shape?
Dancing! Always dancing. But a fun fact about me is I also LOVE swimming, if there’s water in front of me I will be in it, and it’s such a good workout too!
We know how much you love to stay active. What are the 5 go-to songs that pump you up?
Honestly I am the worst person to ask this question to! My music playlist is all over the place and my answers today will be different tomorrow! I have been obsessed with Caribbean and Afro beats lately, so at this moment my current pump up songs are Soweto, slow motion, round and round, shugar, and the most random song- rather be! HAHA!
How long did it take you to get to where you are now in the industry?
Literally my whole life. I started dancing at 3, I even went to college for 2 years for dance, and then social media started taking off for me around the age of 19 and it allowed me to drop out of school at 20 to move to LA and pursue my dreams:)
You’re always on the go, what’s your favorite snack to keep you fueled on those long days when you can’t catch a break?
Fruit, cucumbers with Caesar dressing, and/or tuna fish lol!!!
What’s one piece of advice you wish you knew before starting on your career journey that you want to share with our readers?
My biggest piece of advice would’ve been to take accounting and/or business classes in college instead of majoring in dance. I kick myself nearly everyday for not doing that! Also to stay consistent early on. My socials have done an incredible job, but I can only imagine where I’d be if I had stayed super consistent the first year!
Where is your favorite place to go when you need inspiration or to get away from your day-to-day worries?
Definitely the ocean. I love the beach so much. Also honestly my backyard! I bought a house in July and it’s my dream backyard. It’s up in the mountains so my view is the gorgeous canyons with the most beautiful sunset. Sitting outside in my egg chair with a little fire going, watching the sunset is what keeps me going! It helps me get my work done being surrounded by so much peace.
Who has helped you the most in your journey so far?
My parents and my grandparents hands down. They have shown me so much love and support, all while being super real and transparent with me. My mom is amazing at never sugar coating things and being honest with me, but not making me feel bad about myself all at the same time!! That’s prepared me to enter this super opinionated field of work without a single care for what any haters have to say to me!
What’s next for you this year? Can you share any new and exciting secrets?
Well one thing I can say is… keep an eye out for some new music hehe. There may or may not be a super fun summer vibe dropping in July. There also may or may not be a winter album dropping that I’ve been working on for 2 years that’s all work that’s super near and dear to my heart!! I also have some performances coming up which is all so exciting! I also am navigating into creating more content that feeds my soul! I will ALWAYS dance and twerk, but I’m also adding some more travel/lifestyle/tutorials/food videos to the mix!
Photographer: Mike Ricardo
Makeup: Juliana Valencia
Hair: Zayra Rayo
Styled by: Emily Alvrez