Today we’d like to introduce you to Eden Makayla.
Hi Eden, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Eden, but I also go by my artist name, Yani. Im 23. As far my life story, I am an Oklahoma native and have lived there most of my current life. I grew up as, and am, a current actress, singer, dancer, and business owner. My father passed away when I was 7 years old, leaving me in a single parent household with my mother and younger sister. My father is also the reason I was introduced to music, since he was in a band in high school and played the bass guitar at home when I was young. It has deeply influenced my love for singing and music. There is so much that’s happened between now and then, but my father’s death and the single family home, truly has shaped me. I struggled with depression and anxiety a lot of those years as well, something I feel ok being open about when it comes to possibly helping someone feel less alone. As far as my story for how I came to Baltimore, I felt as if God led me to this journey through getting accepted into a college here. That plan has looked different than what was expected but it has led me toward a new city and new opportunities such as this. It has led me to explore myself in depth, including producing businesses. One thing I am specifically passionate about, is Beauty and Health. Being a newly licensed Esthetician, my business under the name “Elora Esthetics”, is definitely a reflection of that. Although it is still sprouting and being built, I envision a way to help others embrace their natural beauty and relax their nervous system for just a little while they’re in service. I also have “Felis Cosmetics”, which was only founded a few months ago. It is based on beauty as well, but includes body jewelry, body butter, body oils, and more. I am also working on adding my lash extension services, something in which I’ve done before back home. Through my life experiences, God, and these business ideas He’s given me, my goal is to always be able to cultivate a pure and sacred environment for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been. Especially with it being mainly my mom and sister in the household and in life, it became more about just surviving for a long time. As well as my depression/anxiety, it has hindered many of my days up to my tasks and responsibilities in daily life. There were also times where I’d feel deeply emotional over the things I love. So much that I’d compare or go into shame mode, such as gymnastics. That was the first sport where I learned what blood, sweat, and tears really meant. Of course, there was also times where I didn’t know what to do or what was the “right road”, including my decision to relocate here in the DMV. But I feel that faith alone can carry you a long way as it did for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As far as being an artist/creative I mostly sing, act, and dance. I would say that I also can be a creative director at times. Especially when it comes to my own art.
Singing and songwriting would have to be the thing that I most relate and create through. I specialize in indie, R&B, neo-soul, and pop genres. I feel pretty multifaceted with that. Im most proud of the opportunities I’ve been blessed to receive so far as a model and actress. Including a screen play here in the DMV in which I’ll be performing soon. I feel what sets me apart is my individuality. I’m willing to be in places others might not be, and express myself in the way I feel like.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
God himself. I don’t say this in perfect faith, I definitely have struggled with that at times as well, but He has guided all my ways and has still kept a perfect peace in me. My mother who as I mentioned raised me as a single mom, and my sister. Seeing her perseverance and faith, has inspired me deeply to keep mine always. She and my Sister have supported my journey since I’ve left home as well.
While I don’t hold many people close to my heart or that I feel have supported me, I believe every person and situation has helped me get to where I needed to be today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/yanicoded, Instagram.com/elorabeauti, instagram.com/felis.xo
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/25AkhX5ucUUgYhZ43m
