Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylah Gooden.
Kaylah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start through education. When I was young I was raised by my mom who is in school at the time so I always seen the importance of educating yourself. I would go to her lecture halls, study with her, and even participate in her school’s social events. As I grew up I took school very serious. I never missed the honor roll and was heavily involved in student organizations. I went to West Chester University of Pennsylvania on a full-ride academic scholarship and graduated cum laude. I spent four years in college not only excelling as a communication studies major but was also was a Latin dance instructor, a math tutor, a two-time pageant queen and a member of delta sigma theta sorority Incorporated. It was all these things combined that allowed me to reflect on what I was gifted in which was mainly mentorship, public speaking, education, & beauty. In 2019 upon graduating, instead of going to graduate school to study in higher education as I intended, I had a revelation about the potential I had. I knew I had a passion for helping others but I realized that with creating my own brand as an entrepreneur I can do that on a larger more global scale. My family was not in full support because since they are from the Caribbean, they were very strict and valued education thinking that it’s more secure to be a scholar than to pursue entrepreneurship or anything involving risk. This is when I decided to move to Atlanta. I had no family or friends there and was completely broke. I was renting a room in someone’s house because even with nothing, I knew I’d be able to Network and create the life I saw myself living. It was the temporary uncomfortability that made me go hard. In 2019 upon moving to Atlanta I started modeling and video productions, beauty campaigns, boutique shoots all while serving as a crypto educator teaching people about investing in the foreign exchange market.
Although I love modeling and it came natural for me I realized that if I focused heavy on one thing for right now that generated me more reliable income, I can take the capital and apply it to the things I’m actually passionate about to make it everything I envisioned for myself. I spent two years mentoring and showing others how to build their own brand and market their businesses. I was responsible for educating thousands of people worldwide — ranging from women, men, old, young, homeless, single parents, celebrities and even the hearing disabled. I became so successful that I began traveling around the United States to educate more people about trading and building a larger network which landed me several large speaking engagements that further widened my audience. My favorite event I spoke was in Miami at the hard rock Stadium. There was over 15,000 attendees and even featured Coi Leray and DaBaby as performers. By 2021, I was 22 making a half a million dollar salary from speaking. I was happy but I wasn’t totally fulfilled. I wanted to do more and now that I had the capital to invest in my personal brand (thegoodenfluence), I know I can make it everything I wanted which is to speak publicly at events about topics ranging from entrepreneurship, how to market your business, how to build your own brand, and the importance of mindset. I have also created my luxury purse collection Private Glitz which is still very new and has been successful thus far. Basically, I identify as a professional hustler because, yes I am educated, but I hustle my butt off to live a Financially free yet fulfilling lifestyle.
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?
It hasn’t always been smooth. My parents and even some friends couldn’t see my vision at first so I did experience a lot of heartache and loneliness, especially moving to a new city not knowing anyone. I really had to force myself to make the connections that I have today and a lot of it was from going outside or researching people and places on social media. Also, the fact that I started off with living with someone that I didn’t even know was pretty weird but was a blessing for sure. (Shoutout to Nia of @tnzagency and Driqq @hardbodydriqq) It made me push harder to make the money I needed to get my own place. A lot of times, I had to rely on myself and cheer myself on to keep from giving up and just going back home. It wasn’t an overnight success story, it was an everyday thing. I had to develop a productive schedule to make sure that I met my goals for each day because I quickly realized that my daily habits contributed to my future results.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Kaylah Gooden, also known as The Goodenfluence is an entrepreneur, content curator, and model based in Atlanta, GA USA.
Ms. Gooden’s personal Brand, The Goodenfluence LLC., relates to inspiring audiences through the channels of Beauty, Lifestyle, Education & Empowerment.
Not only does her skills involve Influencing, Lifestyle/Fashion Modeling, and Entrepreneurship— She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Double-minoring in Media culture + Youth Empowerment/Urban Studies) obtained from West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduating Cum Laude.
Kaylah’s experiences include but are not limited to: freelance modeling (video, print, commercial, film, hostings, and promotions), facilitating diversity-based workshops and panels, implementing humanity programs and service-learning projects, promoting events on social media, conducting nationwide/international interviews and appearances, attracting a broad audience as well as launching a luxury purse collection, Private Glitz.
Those who have worked professionally with Ms. Gooden describe her as driven yet authentic when bridging any gap between notable brands and their audience or consumers.
I’m most proud of the impact that I’m making and my actual reputation. I call myself the Goodenfluence not only because my name is Kaylah Gooden but because I’m not perfect but I’m also not bad so I think that my authenticity and transparency to my audience where they can learn from my mistakes is why I’m passionate about what I do.
I’m also proud of the fact that Since I was able to focus on one thing and become good at it, I’m now able to explore different avenues like film and even participating in fashion shows.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There’s been over 5000 people that fall personally under my mentorship and I thank them so much for supporting me. Jaylen Goss was my mentor and showed me how powerful my voice can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Privateglitz.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegoodenfluence?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MsKaylahGooden
Image Credits
Chadlawsonphotos
