We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. KayLa N. Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr. KayLa N. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

One of the kindest things that anyone has ever done for me was to remind me of who I already am. This may sound so simple, but in reality, it showed me that even a stranger understands who I am or how I may be vibrationally aligned with my purpose by just hearing the power in my voice. I knew that I wanted to do something meaningful and I was excited about that, but determining how that could come to life was the challenging part. There were moments in which I had doubts, but I always thought of what could be via my current actions and shifts in my mindset.

There is nothing more powerful than digging deep into the truth of who you are. Surely, as I was in the development of Dear Mixed Girl and building my brand, I had some moments of struggle that drained me a bit. However, when I reached back into my passion and spoke to what I believe I can do and who I know myself to be, everything started to shift.

Dr. KayLa N., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Firstly, I would like to say that arriving at my current position within my business was not something that happened overnight. I chose to embrace life and my experiences and use them as sources of wisdom as I built my business. I provide coaching for women in the spaces of upper-level education/success coaching, life after domestic violence, work/life balance, and multicultural living (DEI and identity coaching). I also provide healthcare executive development coaching. I wanted to create something that I knew I would have life and research-based experiences to bring forth into something that would truly make a difference in the lives of those I would/do reach.

What I am most proud of is my faith walk as I continue to grow personally and evolve professionally. There is a strong value in having hope and faith, and that combination never leads me astray. The main thing I want people to know about my brand is that I am all about empowering others and helping individuals, families, and teams understand that there is much more that is possible regardless of what previously occurred along life’s journey. I believe that when someone is ready to make changes in their lives, they will, and nothing can stop them from reaching their destiny. Reaching goals and creating shifts is very possible with strong support systems, changes in their environment, and a coach that understands your situation firsthand.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to learn very quickly that not all help in reaching goals or level-up is the best help. Many people may claim that they can or will help you because of their knowledge or their contacts, but this is not something that is to be relied upon. The backstory for me in this was when I was in my senior year of my undergrad program. I was still exploring how I could build my brand and gain experience in key areas. I met a woman at a conference who had a lot of business and research knowledge; I learned this bit from her speech at this event. She gave me her information and swore up and down that she would help me garnish some experience and continue to grow academically and professionally. Well, long story – short, this did not happen. In fact, quite the opposite happened right before me. Nonetheless, I learned that counsel is necessary along life’s journey, but not all that is placed before you is truly for you. Now, I make sure that any networking I do is of value and meaning, with a bit of a barrier around myself. Yes, networking and good connections can make a difference but never do something that could hinder your growth or well-being.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I know for a fact that determination is a powerful mechanism that will lead to success and elevation in life. See, no matter how difficult something that seem or become, if you have determination in tow, there is nothing that is impossible. If you can place a value on something and be happy, satisfied, and in alignment with the purpose of it, determination will follow. You must let determination fuel everything from self-care to building a brand – you will not regret doing this is a strategic fashion.

Contact Info:

• Website: drkaylanallen.com | dearmixedgirl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkaylanallen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkaylanallen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkaylanallen/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drkaylanallen
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKayLaNAllen