Meet Kayla Joi | Handmade Jewelry Curator & Yoga Teacher in Training

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Joi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Believing in myself, humaninzing myself, and sharing my process with others. I know what I am capable of, and I know that I am always trying and always learning. I heard a saying once “Dont humble yourself into a low-self esteem” and that really resonated with me. I had always believed in being humble, but this also lead to undervaluing myself and my abilities. After some inner work, I really began to embrace myself and that gave me the ultimate confidence. Instead of looking at my mistakes as failures, I began to look at them as learning opportunities. I also like to say “If it could have happened another way, it would have”. It helps me stay grounded when life throws me obstacles or challenges. From big hurdles to little inconveniences, its a good way to remember that there are things out of our control, and what we can control is our perception of the situation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My brand is multifaceted and one of a kind. My base is usually polymer clay. I really enjoy that,like life, it is flexible, sometimes unpredictable, and comes with some learning curves. Ive explored many styles since I started and Im still playing around with what feels and looks good to me in the moment. I think that is what makes my jewelry special, is that it truly is one of a kid. Theres no guarantee you’ll see me make the same exact pair again. Even with a recent collection” I have curated, “Radical Berries” the leaves are different, the colors vary. and sometimes they are sparkly or just matte.

I’m really excited and proud about this next phase of my life, and that is pouring into my business. I recently left a career in corporate to pursue my art, and other passions fully. I also enjoy creating plant-based recipes, yoga, and self-care essentials like lotions, oils, bath salts, and scrubs. I have a plan to join all of these under one brand name to fully encompass, inner care, outer care and self-care. My journey to being full-time was not easy, and I had to set myself up financially, and emotionally to be flexible. However I knew that failure was not an option for me. I dont fail, I learn, I grow, and I evolve. When I worked in the corporate world, I worked in insurance. It wasn’t something I went to school for and I was good at it, but it was not consistently fulfilling. I thought to myself one day, what if I put the same energy into something I actually liked? I wonder what kind of life I could make for myself, so I did it! I made the jump to be take a few months off, pour into my business, rebrand and come back with my cup filled.

What I have really learned about my business is the importance of self-care, nutritionally, emotionally, mentally, and physically.When I take care of myself, I have more of a capacity for creativity. I know that taking care of me is #1, if I dont do that I am not setting a good foundation for everything else. I also understand that I am a human being, learning new skills everyday, and I need to give myself grace. I am everything in my business; CEO, CFO, COO, designer, creator, social media handler, fulfillment specialist, and model etc. Because of this I have also learned that its ok to make mistakes, and its ok to take time for yourself. Its also ok to ask for help! I really believe in community over competition. I share and receive so much information from other business owners and that has been incredibly helpful and transformative.

What I want the world to know about my brand and myself is that I want to cultivate a space for people to radically take care of themselves. I know what it feels like to be a first generation college student from low income. I know what it feels like to be alone and unpack traumas. I know what it feels like to struggle to take care of yourself, emotionally, physically and financially. I also know what it feels like to overcome. I am on a forever journey of healing and authenticity.

I want to embrace being human, and being vulnerable as a tool for healing and connection. As I grow personally and professionally, I want to lean into sustainability and embrace what that looks like for people in each phase of their life. I want to create sustainable practices, products and services that help people feel and look their best.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just moved to LA and have limited experience currently. Since I moved to LA I have been enjoying Leimert Park, Venice, and Westwood. I would love to know more about cool spots around the city! I’ve really enjoyed the culture in Leimert Park on the weekends and finding places with trails for walking and hiking. I have spent some time in Dockweiler Beach and found BIPOC-friendly surfing lessons! I would like to find spots around the city that host dancing lessons, spoken word poetry, or art classes.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is! My therapist, Maya Angelou, and my dear friend Amber. I have so much gratitude for these forces in my life. My therapist has become a pivotal person in my life and absolutely has contributed to my success by helping me unpack aspects of myself that hold me back from the life I want to have. Her influences and challenging nature help me stay in a state of growth. Maya Angelou has been an inspiration to me for years. Anytime I need some wisdom or a soft soothing voice I play something from her, whether it’s a speech, a poem, or an interview. Her dedication to humanizing herself as well as others keep me courageous. Finally, Amber, one of the biggest supporters of my artistic career, she always believes in me, even when I dont believe in myself. She continues to support me in whatever capacity I have and encourages me to keep going. Her dedication to learning her own craft has inspired me to continue with mine, and to see art as a journey as well.

Website: violetroseimperfections.com

Instagram: Violetroseimperfections