Welcome to the first of many DFD Babe Features!
In case you missed it, last week I mentioned that I’ll be featuring women who creating incredible brands and businesses on a bi-weekly basis. These women inspire me on a daily basis to chase my dreams, and I know they’ll inspire you, too! Whether you’re on a journey to find your passion, hoping to start your own business or even just love supporting other women who are simply killing it out there, then this series is for youš
We’re kicking it off this week with my friend Kayla, founder of Kayla in the City, the healthy living and fitness blog, as well as the podcast WELL-Rounded (which I was featured on in Episode 7!). I’ve actually known Kayla since we were in the single digits as we grew up in the same hometown in NY, but we also went on to go to NYU together. Kayla is kind of an all-around super woman in my eyes – she’s a certified yoga teacher, runs her blog, podcast and a side business called Holistic Happening where she hosts wellness events in NYC, and is about to graduate grad school for social media marketing.Ā Keep reading if you want to hear more about how she does it all!
Tell us a little bit about Kayla in the City & WELL-Rounded! When did you start it and why?
Oh man…I created my blog, Kayla in the City, a little over 6 years ago as a way for me to share my own fitness journey, and also honestly because I felt super alone in this journey. At the time I was a senior in college studying theater and hadnāt found many ālike-mindedā people yet. I didnāt have anyone to discuss trendy group fitness classes with or what the best dairy-free milk option was. Granted it was 2011 and almond milk wasnāt even available at Starbucks yet…
One day, senior year of college, I stumbled upon a few fitness blogs. People who wrote reviews of workout classes in NYC, achieving fitness goals, and yes, recipes with almond milk. Suddenly I didnāt feel so alone, I wasnāt the only fitness loving weirdo out there! Around this time my college friends started catching on to the fact that I was pretty into this wellness thang. Theyād ask me questions about the workouts I was doing and how I managed to wake up before class to hit-up a yoga class. So I figured why not start a blog about it — I love writing and sharing my opinion on anything and everything.
I then launched my podcast, WELL-rounded in the beginning of 2018. I like to think of it as an extension of Kayla in the City. I created WELL-rounded because one, I absolutely LOVE podcasts and think itās such an awesome medium for creating content. And two, I just wanted to have interesting conversations with interesting people about wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindfulness.
What inspired you to start working on your own business, whether full-time or as a side hustle?
I definitely didnāt create Kayla in the City with the intention to make money. And I donāt think anyone should start blogging for that reason alone. I created it because I felt like I had something to say about fitness, healthy living and wellness and if I didnāt say it on the internet Iād basically burst.Ā Once I started spending more and more time, energy and money on Kayla in the City I was ready to start monetizing and doing partnerships.
Whatās the best piece of advice youāve ever been given in regards to being an entrepreneur?
It honestly applies in life but a friend of mine who is also an amazing health coach, Michelle Cady, always says āif itās not a hell yes, itās a hell no.ā Every day Iām making decisions about partnerships, opportunities and events to attend. It can be overwhelming to figure out what to say yes to. Iāve been really challenging myself to take a second to really think of itās a āhell yesā before I say yes to anything.
What are three personality traits you think are key to being a successful business owner?
Creativity, even if your medium is not in the creative field.Ā Grit.Ā Motivation.
Whatās your favorite part of running a business?
So many things. Iām so freaking grateful for the amazing people Iāve connected with thanks to Kayla in the City. Iāve legit met some of my closest friends on Instagram. I also love that I get to be creative and choose my own adventure when it comes to Kayla in the City. I write about what Iām passionate about and follow my own rules for building my brand.
And whatās your least favorite part?
Answering emails. Itās never ending.
What advice can you give to others looking to start pursuing their passions?
Just do it. Start a blog. A podcast. A business. Be loud about what youāre passionate about. Youād be surprised how many opportunities start coming your way.
How do you prioritize time for yourself when youāre super busy with your business? Do you have any de-stressing techniques or self-care routines you can share?
This is something Iām always working on, I definitely struggle with taking care of myself when I have a lot going on.Ā Iām a huge fans of walks and try to take an hour long walk every day. It helps me decompress, itās where I get my best ideas, and it keeps my energy level up when I feel myself crashing.Ā Since Iām home for lunch most days, I use that time to step away from my computer and veg out for a bit.Ā I also read every night before I go to bed – usually novels because I love me some self-help, but lately I just want to get lost in another world, not my own brain, ha.
Where do you find inspiration?
In whatever content Iām consuming. Lately thatās a lot of podcasts.
If you’d like, you follow Kayla’s blog at kaylainthecity.com
And her Instagram at @kaylakleinman
Thanks for reading!!š
xo Jordan
Firstly, I LOVE your new icon! Second, Iām absolutely loving this series! Canāt wait to read about and discover some new boss babes.
I donāt follow many ladies in the wellness space, so Iām excited to check out Kayla!
xx,
Aryanna
Thank you lover!!!! Yeah, Kayla is rad, I’ve been looking up to her for awhile now! She has a super balanced approach to health and wellness, which is refreshing š
Woo hoo! I love that you’re doing this serious because I feel SO energized and inspired when I read interviews of successful, badass chicks like this. It makes me remember how powerful we are and how possible it all is. Thank you for brightening my day! I really needed this today!
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
Omg Susie you just made my DAY. Thank you for saying that, thank you for reading, and thank you for all of your support!!!