We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mikala Bars. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Mikala, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are really intentional because I learned that how I start my morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. I usually wake up between 5-6am, spend time in prayer and reading my daily devotionals, and then head into my morning routine- a mix of stretching, cardio or the gym, and taking my supplements. I love fueling my body right away with a greens drink and a balanced breakfast right after my workout because it keeps me energized for my busy schedule. During that time, I also like to reflect on my goals, set intentions for the day, and start getting into a creative mindset for content. This routine keeps me grounded and aligned in both my personal life and my career.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mikala Bars and I’m a full-time model, dancer, fitness trainer and content creator based in Tampa. I grew up an athlete and dancer, which built the discipline and creativity that fuel my career today. Over the past few years, I’ve built my brand around fitness, lifestyle, and fashion- not just to showcase my work, but to inspire people to become the best version of themselves inside and out.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s not just about looking good on the outside, it’s also about fueling your faith, confidence and mindset. I share everything from my training and nutrition to runway moments and behind the scenes content because I want people to see the real journey, not just the highlight reel and post.
Right now, I’m working on expanding both sides of my brand- growing as a professional model by walking in runway shows like Miami and Las Vegas Swim Week, and also building my fitness business, where I train clients in person and online. My vision is to keep blending art, movement, and discipline while creating a community that feels motivated, inspired and connected.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was in 3rd grade, when I performed my very first solo at a dance competition. I’ll never forget the moment- I was just a little girl standing on stage in front of thousands of people, but as soon as the music started, all my nerves disappeared. I felt this rush of confidence and freedom, like I belonged up there. It wasn’t about winning or being perfect, it was about expressing myself and realizing that I could command a stage with nothing but movement and emotion. That performance was the first time I understood the connection between hard work, passion and presence- and it sparked the love for performing and pushing myself that still drives me today. Every runway gives the same adrenaline rush I felt this day, which made me fall in love with it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. Success feels amazing, but it can be temporary- suffering builds character, perspective and faith. The hardest seasons of my life showed me the importance of resilience, discipline, and leaning on God when things feel impossible. Pain has a way of stripping away distractions and forcing you to see who you really are and what you truly value.
Those moments taught me gratitude, patience and empathy in a way winning never could. They gave me the strength to keep showing up- not just for myself, but for others. Now, when success comes I don’t just celebrate it, I appreciate the journey that shaped me into someone who can handle it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes- the public version of me is the real me. I’ve always made it a priority to stay true to who I am and not put a fake persona just for social media. At the same time, what people don’t always see is the struggles I face when the camera is off. In the past, I’ve faced challenges with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While those experiences may still linger from time to time, I’ve overcome so much and they’ve ultimately made me stronger.
What grounds me is continuing to create content, share my story, and connect with people. Being myself through the highs and lows not only makes me happier, but it reminds me of who I truly am and who I want to be. I think that’s the beauty of it- people don’t just follow me for a polished version of perfection, they follow me because I’m human, and I keep showing up as myself.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One thing I understand deeply that most people don’t is how powerful energies and emotions really are. Words, actions and especially trauma have the ability to shape the way people think, feel, and live their lives. Everyone is carrying something internally- no matter how little or big- and that’s something I always try to take into consideration when I interact with people.
I’ve also become very intentional about reading into energies. I study and research how people’s energy shows up, not only to better understand the people I work with in the modeling and entertainment industry, but also in my everyday life. It’s taught me how to be more empathetic, to listen beyond the surface, and to approach people with more patience and compassion. I think when you start to recognize and respect that invisible layer of what people are going through or feeling, it changes the way you connect and build relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://link.me/mikalabars
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikalabars?igsh=MnUzMzZkY20xa2gz&utm_source=qr
