Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Verse.
Hi Kayla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I go by Kayla Verse. I’m a music artist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. As a child with ADHD, I often spent time daydreaming, my imagination fueled by an immense fascination with Disney characters, fiction novels, and soundtracks from fantasy movies and TV shows. I had to find a way to be a part of these worlds someday. That’s what led me to create my own. But these thoughts remained in my head and with age, being a part of these stories seemed to become increasingly impractical. Life, the real world, the pressure, the expectations left me with a plan that was fruitless. My dreams had seemingly died and had been paved over with a carefully constructed path, one that brought me no joy or excitement for the future.
I was going to be an anesthesiologist, and in high school I was on the medical track to become one. It was practical. If I could get through college and medical school, I could make a lot of money. It was safe, logical… and completely misaligned with who I was. I undermined my own potential, and I let fear influence my decisions. I felt completely disconnected from my future until one day something shifted. I received a divine sign from the Most High, and it sparked the glimmer of hope I needed.
Looking back now, I realize that my childlike wonder never left me. What changed was my belief in myself. I chose to pursue the passion I had always possessed inside me, and I found a way to merge storytelling with strategy. I like to say I have a childlike imagination with a business mindset. My faith, family, and friends are the reason why I’m here today, and I’m so grateful for them. I am just getting started and I’m excited for what’s to come!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For a long time I struggled with overcoming shyness, performance anxiety, and my outright fear surrounding being perceived. As a child I felt bold, but as a teenager my insecurities practically consumed me. I took a college public speaking class while in high school and when I had to go up my hands were shaking and my voice was trembling. I just remember a classmate of mine looking visibly concerned and worried for me in the audience. Being exposed to public scrutiny felt unsafe at the time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist and filmmaker, I build worlds around my concept albums, create characters, and tell stories through them. My most recent project Telensia, City of AI is a cyberpunk saga about the tensions between humans, AI, and otherworldly beings in a dystopian story world. I would describe my music as pop essentially, with this album being a fusion of Trip Hop, EDM, Alternative R&B, and Pop Punk. I’d like to think that I’m creating a genre called OST Pop because of how I blend a narrative into my music, and through the use of voice acting, foley, and atmospheric samples I create an immersive soundscape paired with visual media for listeners.
We actually just wrapped season 1 of the web series! Telensia, City of AI is for the YA Dystopian and Sci-Fantasy fans. It’s a mini-series with 13 episodes. We’re still in post-production, but there are plans to release coming soon!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think the most effective approach is to network laterally. My advice? Don’t brush off anyone. Be curious. Ask a lot of questions. Spend less time at these events trying to sell yourself and more time listening to others. Being present and being genuine will get you far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayla-verse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla_verse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikaylaaliseterrell
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaverse-entertainment-047807250/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV3ORka2scSzbL1q_Zw7YGA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kayla-verse
- Other: https://hypeddit.com/dax3we
Image Credits
Tarsha Terrell
