Mikaila Murphy
Mikaila Murphy (@mikailadancer) does it all. After starting on the app in 2018, the influencer has grown one the most popular dance accounts on TikTok. Being a content creator is just one of the many hats that she wears, though. The influencer is also a teacher, choreographer, actress, model, and even a singer! Her unique content has been a catalyst in her success, earning her a following of over 5.4 million social media followers. In this time, she has never stopped in pursuing different avenues. Mikaila currently has her own merch and YouTube channel! The artist is incredibly thankful for dance, as it has taught her the importance of time management, teamwork, and hard work. We recently spoke to the TikToker about her upbringing, dance as a full-time job, and more!
Dance is obviously a huge part of your life right now. Did the hobby have an impact on your decision to join the app?
Yes, most definitely. Without dance I wouldn’t have ever joined Tiktok!! I wanted to promote my dancing content, and got so lucky when it started blowing up for me.
Besides your social media fame, how has this hobby helped you in your personal life?
Dance has helped me in numerous different ways throughout my personal life. It has taught me about time management, how important teamwork is, and that hard work will take you very far in life. You truly get back what you put in!
Have you always been into dancing? When was the first time that you recognized it as a full-time career?
My grandpa and I used to watch Shirley Temple together when I was only 2, and we would tap around my living room. I loved it so much that my mom ended up putting me in my first real dance class at the age of 3! I knew it was a full time career at 12 when I started competing. It took up ALL of my time, but I loved it!
Who are some creators that you would like to work with for a dream collaboration?
I would love to work with James Charles so I can teach him how to throw it back and he can do my makeup for me. I’d also love to create with Charli! She’s so young, but I admire her for being so responsible, and such a great influence at such a young age!
What is one TikTok dance trend that you wish would come back?
I honestly don’t have a TikTok trend I want to come back, I do my own thing haha.
What's the biggest difference between living in LA and Michigan?
The biggest difference between living in Michigan and LA is the opportunities. In LA, you connect with people and run into big time creators EVERY single day. Meanwhile in Michigan that NEVER happens. There’s so many job opportunities for creators in LA. I also love how warm Cali is, it’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and the ocean!
Do you ever feel pressured to make content? If so, what are some of the ways that you deal with this?
I am always pressured to make content. It’s now a full time job. The way I deal with it is by finding an inspiring environment (which is exactly why I’m moving to LA) and I give myself time frames to get things done.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
I owe my biggest thanks to my family and those in my close circle. They have given me endless support and that has pushed me to become my very best.
Are there any upcoming projects for fans to get excited about?
There are a lot of super exciting upcoming events for fans to be excited about! I’m moving to LA, new merch drops soon, big collabs coming up! I can’t wait!
