I love stories.

I love them all. The ones we write. The ones we watch. The ones we tell our friends. The ones brands build around themselves. The ones that make you laugh, make you uncomfortable, make you feel seen, or stick with you long after they’re over.

I’m Nakayla McConnaughey—a writer, communicator, and creative strategist with a background in writing, advertising, and public relations. Ultimately, I’m a creative storyteller dedicated to demonstrating the human experience in my work. I am a May 2026 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its Hussman School of Journalism and Media, where I studied Advertising and Public Relations. I also double-majored in English and Comparative Literature with a concentration on creative writing, meaning I spent my senior year writing a collection of short stories and workshopping with my peers, cultivating my writing, editing, and critique skilxls. I also made some pretty awesome writer friends.

My work moves between words, ideas, and audiences. I write fiction and editorial content, develop social media and communications strategies, create branded and visual content, and build digital experiences. I’ve worked in journalism, public relations, marketing, and branding, with experience ranging from managing social platforms and newsletters at The Daily Tar Heel to evaluating fiction for UNC’s Cellar Door Magazine and developing creative materials for nonprofit clients.

At the center of all of it is the same question: How do you make someone care?

Most of the time, people already do care. My job is just figuring out how to unlock that interest and turn it into meaningful, lasting action.

When I’m not working, I’m probably reading, watching a movie, listening to something (music, podcasts, audiobooks—you name it), hanging out with friends and family, or being stomped on by my dogs, Cori and Wasabi.

I told you my story—now, I’d love to help you tell yours.