Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylah Gurley
Hi Kaylah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am 20 years old and I’m from Oakland city Atlanta, the SWATS. I grew up seeing and experiencing the impact of the lack of a safe space. I saw what not having mental and emotional support did to children, their dreams, and ultimately their lives. Despite battling homelessness from 8th grade to now, I was able to receive a life changing opportunity during my senior year of high school, a lead movie role. As soon as I graduated high school, started my first semester of college at Kennesaw State University majoring in psychology, I got my LLC and started my first mental health awareness and support business, Jinsui’s Safe Space. I provided and still do, a 24/7 anonymous hotline that is available to all. I posted motivational and inspiring quotes, and daily check-ins. I am now in the process of a total rebrand, where I am changing the name, mission, vision, and goal. I am also creating my first self help, therapy journal for all. Throughout all of this I am still a hairstylist, actress, poet, and model.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has never been a smooth road. I’d say the biggest struggles along the way can all be summed up to financial hardship. Yes I worked, but it was never enough. Life on a day to day itself is expensive so trying to put away to invest in myself was never really feasible. I’d always have to take from my stash or transfer from my savings. When I did dab into little things that would get me lump sums, I was reckless with my spending and would quit jobs. I’ve always known that I was meant to work for myself because there has been times when I’d be working a job and have a casting or opportunity that may interfere with my work schedule. I always weighed my options and cents at the time but when I would chose my career, entrepreneurship, I was told that I couldn’t work for them and someone else or my schedule just didn’t fit. Self doubt and a lack of discipline were also big struggles. I could never really see myself the way others would.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I act, model, write poetry/music, and I do hair. I’d say my specialty is hair or poetry but I’m most known for acting and modeling. I am most proud of the strides and accomplishments I’ve made in the film and entertainment industry. Acting, being on tv, just being animated period was never a dream or goal of mine growing up and it was the thing that propelled me to where I am now. Connections, networking, etc all have aided me. I think my street smarts along with my wisdom, no nonsense attitude, and ability to read people have set me apart tremendously. I’m always the youngest person in the room, but I’ve always been able to teach everyone around me. I am beyond wise and humble & that has really got me way further than anything!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe that my love and faith in God is most important to my success. Without God I am absolutely nothing. It’s easy to get rich in a wicked world by stepping on toes and doing things out of ill intent. But, I pride myself on putting God at the forefront of all my works and endeavors, praying that my intentions are always genuine and pure. While coming up in the industry, I heard a lot of well you have to step on a few toes, and it’s a shortcut here and there but that only pushed me more to NOT go that route. Being authentic is the biggest characteristic outside of being a faithful servant to God that is most important to my success. As long as I’m being authentic, genuine and pure, putting in the work, God will provide me with all I need. 1. God 2. Authenticity 3. Intention 4. Work ethic 5. Perseverance
Pricing:
- •Men’s 2-6 Braids $65 •Men’s 6+ Braids $75 •Men’s Plaits $60 •Small Twist $75 •Med/Large Twist $60 •Retwist $70 •Retwist & Style $80 •Loc Repair/Attachment starts at $150 •Triangle Parts $15 •Loc Styling $15 •Wash & Dry $15
- • Digital Self Help Therapy Journal $15
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@shotbyrente
@10kdreads
@soofficialshowout_
