Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Mitchell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As long as I can remember, I have loved having a microphone in my hand.
When I was a little girl, I would sit my family and friends down and make them watch me perform routines, sing, dance, and play the center of attention. I signed with my first modeling agency at the age of six and since have been actively working with reputable agencies across the US.
I have been selected for some of the coolest gigs and have been lucky enough to travel for work. From being selected as a Varsity Cheerleading & Dance Co. catalog model to being the Face Of Jovani in 2011 to serving as the backstage interviewer for professional wrestling company IMPACT Wrestling, I’ve been extremely blessed.
Through it all, one thing has remained the same- my love for the camera. After high school graduation, I chose to attend school at The University Of Mississippi- Ole Miss where I majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in psychology.
My freshman year, I was selected out of 100s as an Ole Miss Diamond Girl, which foreshadowed my later career.M y sophomore year, I began working as the primary in-venue and on-camera host for all of Ole Miss men’s sporting events. That included baseball, basketball, and football. I like to say I was an athlete without being an athlete.
I served as this undergrad marketing, productions, media relations, and public relations liaison for three years before I graduated. I learned so much and owe even more to Ole Miss Athletics for all of their help and being able to gain hands-on experience in the field before stepping out into the real world.
Upon graduation, I accepted a job with Anthem Sports & Exhibitions, IMPACT Wrestling (formerly known as Total Nonstop Action) which brought me to Nashville, TN. I had no idea what I was diving into the wrestling industry but was ready for the ride.
For three years, I worked as the backstage interviewer and ring announcer for IMPACT Wrestling. Our television show airs in 120 countries and appeals to many genres of people. Not only did I work in front of the camera, but I also served as a digital/social media manager, network and partnership manager, creative coordinator, and digital host for the company. Needless to say, I wore many hats.
In June 2018, I made my move to Los Angeles- a place I had always dreamt of calling home. Since I have been expanding my skills on camera and loving every minute of the beautiful weather. Still, juggling multiple tasks and jobs at once, I work freelance for several companies.
To name a few- I work with Fangirl Sports Network as the Ravens Fangirl, am a city rep with Bumble, am the digital and social media manager for Packed Perfectly, and am signed as a model and actress with Mavrick Artists Agency. Multimedia and working on camera is where I thrive, and I am lucky that I get to do and work in a world that allows me to do that each and every day.
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course not! When I stepped on campus at Ole Miss, I knew a total of five people. After four years and time for graduation, I couldn’t go to Walmart without seeing someone I knew. It was hard immersing myself into such a different atmosphere and bigger city coming from a 7,000 person town.
But it allowed me to expand my horizons, make friends of all kinds, and really grow in who I was as a person. Being catapult into professional wrestling is beyond easy. Not having any former knowledge of the industry before making my jump, it was challenging and very frustrating at times. Articles that were supposed to take me only an hour to write ended up taking me days.
Learning moves, characters, people, slang, mannerisms, etc. was hard and something that took a lot of time to understand. I always say that moving to LA is something everyone should do once in their lifetime. It allows you to be uncomfortable and make a jump that is scary and so big.
When I moved to LA, I was terrified but since I have been surrounded with some of the best people I know. It’s about finding yourself among the crazy.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
If I’m not busy, I’m bored. Obviously from my past and from the previous questions answered- I love to juggle many things at once. I find enjoyment out of looking at a booked calendar and setting out on the road for weeks at a time.
I believe in working hard and the power of networking. It may not be the first person that you have coffee with that helps you land your dream job, but the person that he or she connects you to after that does. It’s about hustle and balance! It’s so important to find and master that skill.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. There is no other place like LA. LA allows you to have 17 different jobs and do your best at them all. Los Angeles is competitive and motivating all at the same time.
Everyone is working hard and you should too. This is the person place to succeed and strive to achieve and conquer goals day by day.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: mckenzienmitchell
- Twitter: mckenzienmitch
- Other: REEL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFpYRzwgvi0&t=1s
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