Kála Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kála , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The gym! Fun fact-I actually used to work at the gym that I go to. Sometimes I workout early before work, and sometimes I go afterwards the release any stress from work. Being an independent artist while also working a 9-5 comes with A LOT. But every time I go to the gym I’m greeted with all smiles, and the best energy! From the fist bumps, hugs from friends, mini therapy sessions, inside jokes, and the secret handshakes, there is so much love in that building. It really refuels me. Gym rats just have that “iron sharpens iron” mindset that I love to be around. Sometimes people recognize me from either my music or my content and they always have something nice to say. Working out is already a grounding experience (especially cus I be in there with my shoes off half the time, lol) but the people really bring me back to earth. Any day that I can fit in a visit to the gym, I’ve solidified a win for the day, no matter what life throws at me for the rest of the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kála — pronounced like Kayla — but as an artist I go by KAKE$. I’m a singer/songwriter with a background that blends business, music, and content. I like to say I approach my artistry with the mind of an entrepreneur and the heart of a creative. Music, for me, is about expressing my authentic feelings with no boundaries and connecting with the communities that shape who I am. I stand for Black women loving and pouring into themselves, thriving in their femininity, and embracing softness in a world that often pushes the “strong Black woman” narrative. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I especially love creating for women who love women — though my music speaks to universal experiences. I write and sing about the ups and downs of love, whether that’s dating, friendship, or learning to love yourself. But I’m more than just my music — I’m curating a lifestyle and building a legacy. Most recently, I released my single “Need Dat,” a playful, sexy R&B/soul track that’s lighthearted and fun — the perfect soundtrack for cruising with the top down. Beyond releasing songs, my focus is on growing my audience authentically and carving out a lane where I don’t just make music, but inspire people to dream bigger, live intentionally, and own their power unapologetically.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that I’ve had to release is the version that internalized limiting beliefs and insecurities. For a long time, I second-guessed whether I was “enough” — talented enough, consistent enough, or even worthy enough to fully pursue my dreams. That mindset made me play small at times, even when I knew I had the vision and drive to create something bigger.
Letting go of that meant redefining what success looks like for me and realizing I don’t have to wait until everything is “perfect” to take up space. I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about never feeling insecure — it’s about showing up in spite of it. There’s power in that vulnerability, because that’s where real growth happens.
There have been so many times in the studio where that little voice in my head — I named her Bertha — says things like, “You can’t do this. You sound horrible. You’ll never hit that note. You’re investing all this time, money, and energy for nothing. You’ll never succeed in music.” Eventually, I learned to tell Bertha to shut up, and I keep going no matter what. Now, I allow those limiting thoughts to visit, but I don’t let them unpack and stay.
Releasing the weight of doubt and choosing to believe in myself the same way I encourage others to believe in themselves has been freeing. That shift is what allows me to move with more confidence, take risks, and truly build the life I want.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life has been allowing myself to be soft in a world and industry that values toughness, resilience, and mental strength above all else. In music, business, and even dating, I feels like softness is seen as weakness. I’ve always been someone who gives love freely — to my partners, my friends, and even my creative work — and for a long time, that made me feel exposed or taken advantage of. Especially in dating, this generation can sometimes exploit vulnerability instead of honoring it, and I had to learn how to protect my heart without shutting it down.
Healing has meant finding safe spaces where I can fully be myself — whether that’s with trusted friends, in my art, or within communities that value empathy and authenticity. I’ve learned that being soft isn’t a flaw; it’s part of my power. It allows me to connect deeply, create passionately, and love unconditionally. I still show up with my heart open, but now I do it intentionally, and I no longer let people or circumstances diminish who I am at my core. Being soft in a hard world has been one of my greatest challenges, but it’s also one of my most defining strengths.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the music and creative industry tells itself is that success equals fame, accolades, or external validation. There’s this idea that if you’re not topping charts, going viral, or winning awards, then your’e failing. I disagree. Success isn’t always trophy; it’s consistency, growth, and the ability to build something meaningful that you truly love, all while enjoying the journey along the way. Real success is creating art that reflects who you are, building a loyal audience, and maintaining integrity along the way. It’s about freedom, sustainability, and the impact you make — not just the recognition you receive.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Everyday I regret not learning how to engineer my own music sooner. Don’t get me wrong, I love working with an engineer and allowing myself to just be the talent. However, any (talented) artist who knows how to record themselves is lightyears ahead of an artist who doesn’t, for the simple fact that they are able to get more reps in. While I do love the crisp, polished sound my vocals have after a professional engineer works their magic, I could have saved a TON of money on studio time over the years and used my equipment to actually make money and not collect dust.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/KalaJMusic?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacy1UTC2ZNdbXlPdyupXL2YZGE0-7EdNum3VutMU5XnteEKX-UWyx0DB9lWhw_aem_4dg94LU9jxkoE265DQ1X6w
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kakess_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd1qKOmLCKEsXzoRqthVVSw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kalajmusic?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&si=7B0B463ADF214A90A8611B4219BA4962&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Image Credits
Nadejeh Seon
