Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Kylie Victoria McBride. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dr. Kylie Victoria, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Pieces to Peace, LLC was born out of the necessity to grant individuals without a voice the opportunity and education needed to appropriately express themselves in a non-judgmental and healing environment. This demographic includes but is not limited to those who have experienced abuse, racism, poverty, grief, and other trauma. As someone who persevered through childhood sexual abuse, I understand how trauma mutes one’s voice and can devalue a person’s thoughts, insights, and opinions. This cycle of silence persists in all areas, as authentic friendships, profitable professional relationships, and family interactions may become strained and/or tumultuous. By offering a safe environment for expression, such as Open Mic Nights, Journaling Workshops, Community Education Forums, Conferences, and Retreats, people experience freedom and gain knowledge and resources to exercise their right to speak up and out on their own behalf. After Open Mic Nights so many participants share that they have never told anyone about their trauma. Establishing an environment where they feel safe enough to share what was formerly a secret is a privilege. Unlocking the door of silence starts them down the pathway to healing. It has been a wonderful experience to watch the transformation and sheer confidence that follows engagement in the events offered by Pieces to Peace, LLC.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have worked as an educator in the public school system for over twenty years. This is important because public schools are a microcosm of our society. My work with students and families has provided me with a birds-eye view of the challenges that my community faces. My engagement with students and parents alerted me to needs of which I may have remained unaware. This awareness, along with my personal trauma motivated me to launch Pieces to Peace, LLC. So, my work with Pieces to Peace, LLC has been somewhat of a carryover from my work as an educator and a pastor. Pain is common to man, but living in pain does not have to be our fate. Education and empowerment shift the paradigm of silent pain and stops it from being passed to the next generation. Seeing people walk into a place of freedom, confidence, and hope has been my greatest joy. Pieces to Peace, LLC does more than host events; we facilitate change.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The most important lesson that I had to unlearn was that I could handle everything by myself. Ironically, the wall of silence and secrets that had persisted in my life due to trauma manifested in my business interactions. Initially, instead of seeking out people advanced in my field or peers, I tried to manage everything within my bubble. This attitude was born out of the fear that often accompanies pain. I asked myself questions like: What if they steal my ideas? What if they betray me? Shifting from this faulty mindset took an awareness of it and its roots. Once I realized that it was connected to past trauma and counterintuitive to the mission and vision of Pieces to Peace, LLC I was empowered to shift to a collaboration mindset. Exploring ideas and receiving insight from other business and non-profit owners has elevated my business and expanded my mind. Collaboration is key for expansion and next-level thinking. No person is an island; rejecting the power of mutually beneficial collaboration is detrimental to one’s success. There is so much that we can learn from each other.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The Bible, particularly the book of Proverbs, has helped shape my service and business philosophy. The success of Pieces to Peace, LLC is directly connected to my ability to operate from a place of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. These mental characteristics must guide my decision-making and how I serve my community. In addition, the works of John Maxwell have been influential. The lessons presented throughout his vast library of books have been instrumental in advancing my understanding of relationships and leadership. I am currently pursuing certification through his leadership institution, and it is wonderful to work with his team and receive training from some of the best leaders in the industry. Lastly, Dr. Myles Munroe’s teachings and books on vision and purpose have guided my planning, implementation, and team building. Using Biblical principles, wisdom, and business savvy, he provides a blueprint for building, casting vision, and sustaining what you build. His work makes it abundantly clear that success does not play favorites; if you follow the principles success will materialize for you. I love to read, so I could go on for days, but I think you get the picture. Books are wonderful resources that bring experts within our reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drkyliespeaks.com
- Instagram: @drkyliespeaks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/drkyliespeaks
- Youtube: @drkyliespeaks
Image Credits
Sincerely Yours Photography Aaron Smalls Photography