Check Out Mapuana Makia’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mapuana Makia.

Hi Mapuana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started doing plays and singing with my Dad when I was growing up in Maui. I was ALWAYS doing a play in high school. When we took one set down, we were auditioning for the next piece. That’s where I learned about work ethic.
When I decided to make an attempt toward Film & TV, I realized alot of talent was being hired out of LA. So after I ran several times for the The Miss Hawaii Scholarship program to graduate from college, I head out to LA. I learned endless amounts in LA, both personally and professionally. I’m in so much admiration of how hard people work, and really learned how much dedication it took to break in. Theatre built my work ethic–Los Angeles built my backbone. Learning how to protect your vision but also put it out there in the most vulnerable way possible, is such a tricky skill, I’d say Los Angeles is where Iearned how to do it.

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?
Yes, it’s been really smooth. No bumps. LOL. I’d say keeping a healthy mindset is a constant challenge, in any phase of this career. While I was waiting tables at VIP events, there’d be all of these celebrities, showrunners, etc. It was a strange feeling to be so close to people that were doing the thing I wanted to do, and yet so far, you know? Same with background work. It can be hard to keep visualizing yourself there. And then, one day, it does happen. And that’s weird too. I think it’s important to keep community around and always be checking inward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actor. Right now, I’m most proud of building my success one job at a time. Building long standing relationships, and culitvating trust around my talent and hopefully longevity. I also coach actors. I’d say what sets me apart is analyzing what behavior on set creates the most harmony and productivity. I remember being #1 on an episode and the 1st AD told me “When you’re done, we’re done and we all get to go home.” That made me realize the responsibility I had to keep the day going for everyone, so they could go home to their partners, their kids, their lives. That changed my approach to being on set forever.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I was really fortunate to be a part of the Disney Television Discovers: Talent Showcase. That really helped me break through. I’m forever grateful to the program and went back to Mentor, Shadow Direct and Assist.

I’m also at The Norris Studio–Actor and Coach Brian Norris has really been a mentor to me for almost two decades now.

I used to be terrible at networking, until I realized that for me, it’s just about getting to know someone and learn something new about them. Once I made it about learning about people, it got much easier. I also don’t pressure myself to meet as many people as possible. I think it prevents that looking over the shoulder thing that makes everyone feel terrible, (especially if it’s your shoulder they’re looking over, haha) I connect with who I connect with, I have a nice time, and then I go home and get back into my sweatpants.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: missmapuana

Image Credits
STEPHEN TRACEY