We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kyle Hollins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kyle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Lyrik’s Institution represents the most significant risk I’ve ever taken, especially considering the formidable backgrounds of many in my field who hold advanced degrees, extensive experience
in the non-profit sector, and involvement in politics dating back to their college years.
The genesis of Lyrik’s stems from a pivotal moment when, after a 90-month imprisonment, I
faced skepticism about my career choice, even leading to frustration from my sister. It was
during a kick-start fundraiser where I produced a play that delved into the intricacies of love as a
feeling or a choice. My sister, who had flown in from Arizona to witness the play, finally saw the
vision behind Lyrik’s. Her encouragement that day, urging me never to let anyone deter me from
my pursuits, left an indelible mark on my approach to the growth of Lyrik’s.
This venture often faces naysayers who doubt its viability. Still, I am unwavering in my
commitment to press forward. I firmly believe in calculated risk-taking and understand that
innovation is inseparable from risk. Prior to even establishing Lyrik’s as an LLC, I dedicated six
and a half years to studying and refining its design. This mastery of the program allows me to
take calculated risks confidently.
While some risks may not have yielded the expected outcomes, the overall growth rate of Lyrik’s
demonstrates that many have indeed paid off. I attribute this success not only to strategic
planning but also to divine guidance. Embracing risk, anchored in calculated decisions and a
deep understanding of the program’s intricacies, has been the driving force behind the
transformative journey of Lyrik’s Institution.

Janese , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Kyle Hollins, the Founder and Executive Director of Lyrik’s Institution, a nonprofit organization established in 2019 with a mission to empower young adults through culturally
competent behavior modification and cognitive-based programs, focusing on their creative arts
passions. Located in Kansas City, our organization directly engages with at-risk young adults,
offering a unique approach to real-world learning through internships that pave the way to the
workforce.
My passion lies in identifying and guiding young adults toward their passions and careers, often
centered around the creative arts. This methodology not only empowers individuals but also
addresses the root causes of challenges faced by young adults, such as drug use, violence,
gang involvement, incarceration, and death.

My journey takes a personal turn as I don’t just teach behavior modification; I am a product of it.
Sentenced to 90 months in federal prison when my daughter was three years old, I participated
in multiple cognitive behavior modification programs during my incarceration. Upon my release,
fueled by the determination to share the science-based methods I learned, I founded Lyrik’s
Institution. The organization, named after my daughter, creates an environment where young
adults can thrive, equipping them with the social and emotional skills needed to navigate life and
achieve success.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

To effectively grow clientele for Lyrik’s Institution, I’ve found that establishing a strong online presence is paramount. Our website serves as a central hub, providing a clear depiction of our
mission, programs, and the positive impact we’ve had on individuals. Utilizing social media
platforms allows us to engage with our target audience, sharing success stories and creating a
sense of community. Compelling storytelling has proven to be a powerful tool, as we share
narratives that resonate with potential clients and donors alike.
Building partnerships with other organizations and community leaders has expanded our reach
and bolstered our credibility. Additionally, hosting events and workshops related to our mission
provides valuable networking opportunities. Encouraging satisfied clients to provide testimonials
and implementing referral programs further strengthens our reputation. Strategic investments in
marketing and advertising, both online and offline, have helped us reach a broader audience.
Community outreach, participation in local events, and face-to-face interactions contribute to
building trust.
Offering valuable content, such as blog posts and resources, keeps our audience informed, and
email marketing serves as a direct communication channel. Regularly measuring and analyzing
the effectiveness of our outreach efforts allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to
our audience’s needs. Through a multifaceted and relationship-centric approach, we aim to
steadily grow our clientele and make a lasting impact on the community we serve.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I set out to introduce Lyrik’s Institution into the school district to provide services for at-risk students, I faced an uphill battle marked by heavy scrutiny. Being a program
led by an ex-offender, the skepticism was palpable. I encountered numerous challenges,
from lost paperwork to delays in processing checks, and it seemed like every step
forward was met with another barrier.

During a conversation with senior staff about integrating our program into the school, I
was met with discouragement. They insisted I should align with another organization,
questioning our insurance and licensed credentials, despite having everything in order.
The goalposts were consistently moved, creating an environment where success
seemed unattainable.
However, I refused to back down. I kept supplying the necessary documentation,
systematically addressing every concern raised against us. It became a battle of
persistence and determination. The bureaucratic hurdles were high, but I was
committed to providing much-needed services to at-risk students, and I knew our
program could make a difference.
Despite the challenges, we succeeded. Lyrik’s Institution became an integral part of the
school district, and the results spoke volumes. Over the last three years, we graduated
an impressive 96% of our participants from the program. This journey taught me the
power of resilience and the importance of pushing through barriers to achieve
meaningful outcomes for those we serve. It’s a story of determination, overcoming

Contact Info:

• Website: Info@lyriksinstitution
• Instagram: Lyrik’s Institution
• Facebook: Lyrik’s Institution
• Youtube: Lyrik’s Institution