Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Hart.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Clinton, Maryland. Yet, I went to four different schools in four different cities from 6th to 12th grade. I went from living with my mom to my grandparents to my other grandparents to my dad, and then back to my grandparents again all because I was a problem child. These “problems” ranged from behavioral issues to academic issues. I even almost had to repeat a grade because I skipped class for a toxic relationship I was in at the time. I was lost. It always seemed like nothing was consistent in my life. I felt like everywhere I went I made everyone’s life horrible. I’ve always been good at masking this, but who knew one day I would explode.
Growing into a young women, I had difficulties trying to find my purpose. I did not know how to express my sadness, anger or confusion. This mental state led to me not having the strength to get out of bed. I missed numerous days of school because I knew interacting with anyone would worsen the state I was already in. As a result, the Board of Education threatened to kick me out of school because they had no idea what I was battling internally. With everything in my life seeming like it was headed in a downward spiral, I attempted it. Suicide. Something I couldn’t even define. I spent two weeks in the hospital where a psychiatrist diagnosed me with Major Depression Disorder. I did not know the depths of what that meant. All I knew was the emptiness that came along with it.
My biggest supporter through it all was my mother. As a baby, she sung me a self-written lullaby “Sunshine in the Morning”. On my road to recovery, my mother was the light throughout the darkness to help channel the shine within myself, to live, to thrive, to be joyful and to encourage other women like me to do the same. I am now an upcoming Senior in college and I’ve grown a lot within my mental health journey and my spiritual journey. I aspired to normalize and break the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing my story, tips, resources and educational facts about mental health to young Black women like me. These are all things I wish I was educated on while growing and blooming into the beautiful sunflower I am today. From there S.H.I.N.E. Girl’s light peaked through the clouds into what it is today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A year after my diagnosis I started my freshman year of college, 10 hours away from my hometown. Although my depression decreased, my anxiety increased tremendously. WOOO, was that a challenge! I still had questions about who I was and what my purpose was in life. I felt incomplete because I didn’t have a church home in Atlanta like was neglecting my relationship with God. I yearned to have a closer relationship with Him. A year later, I found a church I could call home, where I was baptized and rededicated my life to Christ. I started intentionally walking with God, seeking Him, listening to His Spirit and praying to Him. I have come to learn my God-given purpose in life which I truly believe is using my voice and experiences to help other women because my life is not just my own. My grandmother once told me, “There are people you haven’t met yet, or haven’t even entered this earth yet that are counting on you. They’re waiting for your testimony. Your ups and downs are purposeful, all for a greater plan. Your story will help others whether the impact does noticed or unnoticed. You have to keep going”. Those are words I live by. So, with everything I do I let God direct my heart and his strength carries me through when I want to give up.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
S.H.I.N.E. Girl is an organization that enlightens and empowers Black women in Showing a Health Initiative Naturally Everyday to improve their mental health. We create a safe place for Black women to gain tips, resources and different perspectives on mental wellness. July 1st, we started our first campaign, “Together We Shine” which brought awareness to July being Minority Mental Health Awareness Month through our own educational and engaging content. Minority Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on awareness of the fact that certain communities struggle with mental health challenges, yet have less access to health care, lower quality care or cultural stigma. Together We Shine allowed women to continue the conversation on minority mental health and encouraged other friends and family to learn more about mental illnesses and treatment.
I am most proud of the impact we had with our “Shine Your Light Sunday’s” initiative where we highlighted young minority women’s mental health journeys. This shed light on the way diverse communities perceive, narrate, communicate, and address mental health challenges. We received so many heartfelt messages of women expressing how much they needed, appreciated and loved the organization. Such words lightens my heart to know that the mission for the organization is being fulfilled. I believe what sets S.H.I.N.E. Girl apart is how personable it is. I do not run it like a strict business, I run it like it’s my baby and it is. I put love into it, I nurture it, I’m truthful through it. I don’t want it to be a systematic guide telling other women would they should and shouldn’t do. I encourage people to engage and reflect. I ask people what they’d like to see from the organization, that way everyone can connect with S.H.I.N.E. Girl.
What were you like growing up?
I was an adventurous, curious and inquisitive child. I wanted to know and learn everything under the sun. Often times I rebelled when I was told not to do something because I wanted to know why and you know when black parents say “no” there is never an explanation. I loved experiencing and trying new things outside of the box. This is where my creativity was birthed. Despite, my curious years my family has always encouraged and uplifted me to be greatest version on myself that I could possibly be. They planted seeds in me as a young child that we filled with the word of God. I can say they were watered over the years and continue to blossom more and more each trip around the sun. Without God, my family, and of course me believing in myself I truly would not be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Email: shinegirlinc@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinegirlinc
Image Credit:
Dana Bradley
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