We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kayla Perry Agu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kayla below.

Alright, Kayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I lost my ability to walk due to the gastric sleeve surgery; done by a doctor who had no concern for my health. It has been 3 years and I’m still not able to walk on my own. I got the surgery because I wanted to be smaller, the love I had for myself was boiled down to a number on a scale. I was chastised by not just random people but family members and friends. One day during one of my many trips to the hospital; I said that if I could find a way for people to love themselves I would pursue it. I created my nonprofit called the “Self Love Series”. SLS Was created to not only promote self love, but mental health awareness. The name came from a condition I have called SLE ( systemic lupus erythematosus). I wanted this autoimmune disease to mean more than just hairloss, butterfly rashes and hospital visits. I wanted people to feel inspired by the fact that no matter what happens to me, I will always love every inch of myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I created a nonprofit called the Self Love Series, we promote self-love and mental health awareness. Our overall goal is just to show the world with inclusivity truly looks like. By hosting free photoshoots we not only encourage people to get out of their comfort but it gives us a chance to help them see how beautiful they truly are. This organization is all inclusive meaning that it is not only for women it’s also for a men and members of the LGBTQ community. So far we have hosted our very first photo shoot in Houston,Texas. We had such a great turn out, and I met some beautiful people who actually decided to join the program indefinitely. At the beginning of the year we hosted a vision board party, so we all could talk about our goals and aspirations and find ways that we can encourage each other to pursue each goal. Photo shoots and events are not all that we offer, we also have discord chats to help people who are sexual assault survivors, people who are dealing with anxiety and depression, and also those who are dealing with other traumatic events that simply need a safe place to come and share their feelings.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In August 2021 I suffered from a botched Gastric sleeve surgery. I lost not only my abilities to walk, but I lost my occupational skills, I gained tinnitus and lost a few cognitive abilities.. I was in the hospital for three months after the surgery and have been in and out of the hospital for three years. I did not let this stop me by proceeded to continue my college studies to the best of my ability. I also got married And with the help of TIRR memorial Hermann I got my ability to walk back by using a walker, and I was able to walk down the aisle at my own wedding. After our wedding, I found out that I was pregnant during my pregnancy I was in and out of the hospital. I found out at 16 weeks that I developed lupus. I suffered from pre-clampsia and gestational diabetes and unfortunately I had to give birth at 31 weeks. After giving birth to a beautiful baby girl my husband and I would go back-and-forth to the NICU until she was released to us on Mother’s Day. While being a wife and being a mother, I am still in and out of the hospital battling SLE. I refuse to let that stop me. I am determined to get everything I ever dreamed of.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have a goal to go to three states in the year of 2023; to host our charity photoshoots. I would love to reach more people and give them access to my program. I also would like to host my very own fashion show that would not only feature different types of people and different types of bodies. The fashion show would also feature small to large businesses were they would be able to not only showcase their work in the show, but also sell their clothing outside of the fashion show venu. I want people who you would not normally see on a runway grace us with their presence.. I also have a goal to make it onto platforms like the Jennifer Hudson show to shed light on the unfortunate events that occurred after my surgery. I also would like to be able to discuss my nonprofit, and once again be able to reach more people.

Image Credits
Photographers @Thegigabytes @bigmuvashouse