Today we’d like to introduce you to KAYLA GOT THE 411.
Thanks for sharing your story with us KAYLA GOT THE 411. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi, my name is Kayla Gibson, also known as Kayla Got The 411. I was born and raised in Georgia. In 2010 I moved from Augusta, GA, to Atlanta, Georgia, where I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta. I was an only child and spent a lot of time alone writing stories or drawing. I was so into anything creative and always self-taught myself by practicing. From a young age, I was very quiet out of fear of what others would think of me. It took me until Middle school to actually feel comfortable being my normal quirky, outgoing self. Many peers would laugh and enjoy being around me and I didn’t realize how great I was at connecting with people at the time. While in college, I took a scriptwriting class and a public speaking class. I recall being told by my scriptwriting professor that I should really look into writing or radio. She was really impressed with my writing. My public speaking professor really loved my accent and the way I made the class so engage.
At the time, my major was advertising design and I had this idea of working at an advertising agency. I realized that I wanted to be the brand, not build someone else’s brand. It was then in 2013 I looked into starting a blog site that was dedicated to women who love girl talk, fashion, entertainment. It took me a while to even figure out the name. As many creatives do, I struggled with the brand name and direction and went through a few. Once I came up with Kayla Got The 411, it seemed perfect. That was when Kayla Got The 411 brand was started. With just a blog site in 2015, I wrote on fashion, lifestyle and most relationships articles brought the clicks in. I then decided to branch out and launch Kayla Got The 411 podcast in 2018 as well. With the podcast, I created a segment called What’s The 411. In this segment, I would talk about hot topics in the media and close the show with my Girl Talk discussion of the week. In some episodes, I would have fellow podcasters some on and join the conversation. I always admired Tyler Perry for being creative and wearing different hats.
As I went into 2019 and had such great feedback with the podcast, I wanted to make the brand Kayla Got The 411 bigger. I wanted to turn the show into an actual talk show. I started to study actual talk shows on air and the placements of the host seating and set design. In January 2020, I premiered Kayla Got The 411 Show on YouTube. I expanded the segments by adding “Whopping Wednesday,” which is all about life and relationship topics. “What’s the 411”, I talk about politics, hot topics, entertainment news. “What’s The Reaction” segment is where I give my feedback on artists’ newest videos that drop on Fridays. Lastly, in a new segment, “What’s Good,” I interview talented unsigned artists, shout out their music for a week, and featured their songs during my What’s The Reaction episodes. That way, viewers who tune in can discover these unknown artists as they’re tuning in. My platform is all about bringing light. Whether they are laughs or someone feels connected to an episode like my colorism show.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some of my struggles were for surely becoming a mother seven years ago and being a single parent. It was hard to put energy into the art, work a full-time job, and be a mom. Lots of battles I went through still while starting the brand. Most bullies online. I lost my Instagram due to being reporting by people who just didn’t like my opinions. Having to start over was very discouraging. I learned that everyone would not agree with your opinion. It helped me develop thick skin by the time I start my show this year in 2020.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a media personality. My brand is Kayla Got The 411. I am known for being transparent, bring comedy and fresh new ideas. What makes me stand out is my marketing. I put lots of time into my art promotion for my show to draw everyone’s attention. My show is on YouTube but I have it set up to make sure feel like you’re watching an actual televised talk show. My southern charm and quirky personality draw viewers. My brand colors are bold and bright and fit my personality. I am proud of the fact that I am able to be a mom, work as an account manager, all while building my brand Kayla Got The 411. I make time for it and do it no matter how stressful editing shows are or getting guests on the show. I feel that when it’s your passion, keep pushing, don’t look back.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe before Covid, yes, Atlanta was a good place to network with others in media. Due to the changes, I think that anyone can start out no matter their location. Just by investing in yourself and the equipment you need to get started. You just need a vision, good light, and a camera and computer to create your content. Once everything gets back to normal, I would suggest Atlanta because this city has so many creatives that are just like you and understand the grind and hustle.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kaylagotthe411.com/
- Email: kaylagotthe411@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylagotthe411/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylagothe411
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/kaylagotthe411
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kayla-got-the-411-podcast/id1301040086
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