Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Lessier
Hi Kaila, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Kaila Lessier, and I’m grateful to share my journey with you. I was born in Lakewood, California, and at 17, I took a leap of faith, moving 19 hours away to Langston University. That decision transformed my life; it opened doors I never knew existed. I earned my bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, however more importantly, I discovered my voice and passion for storytelling.
When I arrived at Langston, I was shy and hesitant. The vibrant community pushed me to break out of my shell. I started vlogging and interviewing fellow students To post on YouTube, and what began as a fun hobby grew into something much bigger, creating connections and inspiring others on campus.
Throughout my four years, I had the privilege of working in admissions under Dr. Carlos Robinson. I was involved in the Student Activities Board and proudly served as the 40th Miss Black Langston University. I also launched my juicing business, “Juicing With Soul,” fueled by my passion for entrepreneurship. I sold my juices on campus and shared my love for music by singing at special events, all while maintaining a strong academic record that placed me on the dean’s and president’s honor rolls every year.
What motivates me to keep going is knowing that I only have one life to live. I keep the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 close to my heart and it keeps me afloat. Also, looking back and realizing how far I’ve come keeps me going. My goal is to build generational wealth for generations to come. It’s not even about me.
Some key lessons I’ve learned along the way are not to focus on what the person to my left and right are doing. It’s easy for people to judge when they’ve never been the ones to put in the work and do it themselves. Watch who you surround yourself with. If your discernment is telling you something is off, trust it. Don’t try to come up with reasons to make a situation right when it’s wrong. More than anything, the advice I would give is to stay true to who you are (that was also my campaign for Miss Black Langston University). Learn who you are so no one can tell you who to be, and stay connected to the source—God.
After graduating in 2022, I attended Streetlights, a production school at CBS Studios in L.A. My first shoot was a Footlocker commercial, a challenging yet eye-opening experience that taught me the immense effort behind even the briefest moments captured on screen. I gained a deep respect for everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes.
I also pursued my passion for music at 1500 Sound Academy in Inglewood, thanks to a full-ride scholarship from YouTube. Under the guidance of James Fauntleroy and LaRance Dopson, I not only refined my musical skills but also experienced unparalleled support and mentorship that felt like family. Throughout this journey, I’ve had the honor of working with renowned companies like Paramount, BET, and Viacom, where I met incredible figures such as Morris Chestnut Tichina Arnold, Damon Wayans, and more.
As I look to the future, I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree at Clark Atlanta University. My future aspirations include owning my own juice truck and bar, getting into real estate and starting to buy property, and whatever else the Lord wants me to do, I’ll do it.
Above all, I want to remind you to trust your instincts, stay true to who you are, and never let anyone define your path. Surround yourself with positive influences and listen to your heart. My journey has been about growth, resilience, and the unwavering belief that I can create a better future. Thank you for being a part of my story.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has not been easy. I’ve shed countless tears along the way, but now I embrace the beauty in those tears. There are moments when I want to give up, when I question why I started, and times when I feel completely lost. Yet, amidst all these thoughts, I also experience moments of contentment that remind me I’m on the right track. Above all, I never give up, and I believe that’s the most important lesson I’ve learned.
I’ve come to understand that taking a step back to focus on my mindset and well-being isn’t quitting; it’s a necessary part of the process. Success requires blood, sweat, and tears, and I strive to find joy in every moment. I wake up with the mindset of “I get to” instead of “I have to,” recognizing that some people didn’t wake up today. I choose to face life’s challenges with grace.
Achieving success involves several key elements. Determination and persistence are crucial, as setbacks are part of the journey. Hard work and dedication are essential, often demanding long hours and significant effort. Adaptability plays a vital role, allowing me to pivot and adjust my plans when needed.
Continuous learning is important, as gaining new skills and knowledge helps me grow. Building strong relationships and networking opens doors and provides invaluable support. My passion for what I do fuels my motivation to overcome obstacles. Resilience—the ability to bounce back from failures—is a trait I strive to embody.
Setting clear and achievable goals helps me stay focused and measure my progress. Effective time management ensures I balance various aspects of life and work. Most importantly, maintaining a positive and growth-oriented mindset helps me navigate challenges. I’ve learned that success is a personal journey; what matters is finding what works for me while staying true to my values and goals.
I’ve had to do the inner work and continue to do so, knowing that personal growth is an ongoing process. It’s essential for me to know who I am so that no one can dictate who I should be. Above all, I strive for authenticity in everything I do. I’ve realized that life is a marathon, not a sprint. The blueprint for my success isn’t the same as someone else’s, so I aim not to compare my journey to theirs. I celebrate my progress, trusting that I’m on my unique path.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Ever since I was a child, I have loved music, but I was extremely shy about singing in front of others. I would get nervous even weeks before a performance. Despite that, I worked through my fear and learned to turn that weakness into my superpower. Now, I still feel nervous, but I’ve found ways to cope and just go for it. I remind myself that I have a healing sound to share, and it’s not about me; it’s about the bigger picture. This mindset helps me perform at my best.
Attending 1500 Sound Academy in Inglewood, California, marked a significant milestone in my musical journey. I received a full-ride scholarship from YouTube and trained under the mentorship of James Fauntleroy and LaRance Dopson. I also had the privilege of taking vocal lessons with Larry “Pops” Dopson, whose guidance was instrumental in developing my vocal skills. This experience was transformative, enhancing my musical abilities and fostering personal growth. The support and mentorship I received felt like a true family.
I take great pride in my progress in vocal training and performance. I’ve had opportunities to perform at various events and collaborate with talented individuals in the industry, enriching my understanding of music and providing invaluable insights.
What sets me apart is my relentless drive and passion for music. I approach each project with dedication and enthusiasm, always striving to improve and grow. Authenticity is essential to me, and staying true to who I am has guided my musical pursuits.
Knowing that music will play a huge role in my life has pushed me out of my creative shell. I believe that God wouldn’t allow me to give up on my dream, and I refuse to give up on myself. So, despite the discomfort, I keep moving forward.
I used to be very hard on myself, often lacking grace when I didn’t hit a note right. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned to be gentle with myself. This shift in mindset has been crucial for my growth and well-being.
I’m proud of my ability to adapt and grow through various challenges in the music industry. Every step of my journey, from 1500 Sound Academy to my performances, has shaped me into the artist I am today. I continue to do the inner work, knowing that personal growth is a lifelong process. My goal is to inspire others to pursue their musical passions and stay true to themselves, no matter the obstacles they face.
Looking ahead, I aspire to work behind the scenes in the music industry and do background vocals for other artists. This will allow me to expand my skills and contribute to the music world in new and exciting ways.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I owe a great deal of my success to my incredible support system. First and foremost, I have to thank my mom, Charniece, and my dad, Michael. My mom taught me how to navigate this world and become independent while also respecting myself in the process. My dad, along with my grandmas, Charlene and Georgia (may she rest in peace), my aunt Terrievia, all of my other aunties on both sides, my sisters Meka, Mikayle, and Myshia, my cousins Tyrese, Emani, Tyra, and so many others (too many to name, lol—you all know I love y’all!), and my close friends Shiane and Tiara, have all played significant roles in my journey. They have been my cheerleaders, offering unwavering support and encouragement through every challenge and triumph. I truly don’t know where I would be without them. If I missed anyone, I apologize, and I love you. Their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation.
In addition to my family and friends, I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors and advocates along the way. At 1500 Sound Academy, my vocal coach provided invaluable mentorship, helping me hone my skills and navigate the music industry. Their guidance was instrumental in my growth as an artist.
During my college years, I met Donut The Legend, a poet, and Anai Robinson, who believed in me from the very beginning. Their encouragement and faith in my abilities helped me realize my potential and pushed me to pursue my passion for music.
I also sing at E-Faith Church in Los Angeles, where the singers are incredibly talented. I want to give a special shoutout to Pastor Ky, Indira, AV, David, Eli, Ashton, Hez, and all the other family there. I love y’all! This experience has taught me the fundamentals of vocal breakdowns, which have been crucial for developing my vocal skills and confidence.
My time at Langston University introduced me to Dr. Carlos Robinson, who was a great mentor during my college years. Working in the admissions office under his leadership taught me the importance of dedication and hard work.
I’ve also been fortunate to have supportive clients and teammates in my various endeavors. Their trust and collaboration have helped me grow and succeed in different areas of my career.
Overall, the collective support from my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues has been vital to my success. Each of them has contributed in unique ways, and I am deeply grateful for their roles in my journey.
Pricing:
- Juicing With Soul 12ox bottles = $9
- Juicing With Soul Ginger Shots = $5
- We welcome sponsors who would like to fund Juicing With Soul
- BGV Gigs = contact me and we could talk pricing
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kailessiershow/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKaila-Lessiershow
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/juicingwithsoul/
Image Credits
Professional Headshot in the stripped dress & Clark juice photo (pouring into the cup) – Tarrance Johnson
White dress with the mic – Indigio Agency
Photo with me singing with the purple background – Alaina Booth
