Hidden Gems: Meet Kayla Feairheller of Bleu World

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Feairheller

Hi Kayla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
2020 was the first time in my life that I spent significant amounts of time alone and as a result, I began to question the path I was walking and whether it was bringing me the most happiness. During this time, I poured myself into nature documentaries and happened to watch The Sharks of Lost Island – a National Geographic documentary about the Pristine Seas crew exploring the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific Ocean in an effort to find and preserve pristine reefs around the world. While watching this documentary, I started to think about what it might be like to explore the underwater world myself. I was also struck by just how much waste the crew found on these uninhabited tiny islands in the middle of the ocean. These two thoughts planted a seed and I decided to start a project to spread awareness for the problems facing our ocean and the steps each person can take to make a difference. I named this project Bleu World and at the time, I was using it to grow a small community focused on conservation. In June, 2021 I moved from my hometown in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Oceanside, California where I signed up for my PADI Open Water scuba certification course and started hosting beach cleanups with Bleu World. Over the next year, I volunteered with ocean conservation and science organizations all around the world, I trained to become a PADI Divemaster and a NAUI Scientific Diver with Reef Check, and I moved to Catalina Island. During this time, I was learning about the world of conservation and science and realized that accessible programs in this space are rare – most require volunteers or interns to pay in order to join. I was diving in the beautiful kelp forests around Catalina Island and wanted to share what I was learning about these ecosystems with my community. Finally, I was living on a beautiful island and needed to help protect it. All of these experiences helped me grow Bleu World into what it is today – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to grow a community of ocean changemakers with a passion for conservation, exploration, and science.

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?
For the past 7 years, I have been working as a software engineer. This career path requires a lot of deep thought and time at the computer building software and leading teams of engineers and as I got more involved in scuba diving and ocean conservation, I found it increasingly difficult to balance these two worlds. Establishing Bleu World as a 501(c)(3) was one of the first big steps I took to change my career path, however, this came with its own challenges. Working through the process of filing all of the necessary paperwork with the government was complex and daunting. Starting an organization with an important mission and lofty goals was intimidating and a lot to take on. I still have imposter syndrome daily and over the past two years, I have had to learn how to do everything from marketing to grant writing to filing taxes for a nonprofit. Some tasks are more difficult and tedious for me than others, but everything is equally important if I want Bleu World to grow into everything I’ve dreamed of.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bleu World?
Bleu World is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to grow a community of ocean changemakers with a passion for conservation, exploration, and science. Gaining any experience in the ocean as a student, volunteer, or intern typically comes with a large bill. We are here to change that. All of our fundraising will go towards reducing the costs of scientific dive training, in-field data collection, and citizen science research. Our aim is to make ocean science as accessible and affordable as possible. By training divers to conduct citizen science surveys, we are improving our understanding of the kelp forests of Catalina Island. By hosting regular beach & underwater cleanups, we are growing a community of conservationists through action. By fundraising to bring volunteers into the field, we are providing opportunities for exploration underwater. Join us on Catalina Island for a science diving or snorkeling program where we will explore dive sites all along the coast. Volunteers can stay for a day or for an entire weekend expedition where they will have the opportunity to camp under the stars, dive in the kelp forests, and do conservation work like restoring endemic plant species and hosting community cleanups. Every experience offered by Bleu World brings ocean changemakers together to inspire positive change and preserve the ocean for future generations.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis changed my entire life. The isolation forced me to reflect on how I was spending my days and what I wanted out of my life. It made me realize that I hadn’t found my purpose and I began the work that needed to be done to find it. The time alone taught me how to slow down and look inward. It taught me that while growth may be difficult and uncomfortable, it is so very important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bleuworld.org/
• Instagram: Personal: https://www.instagram.com/divewithkay/ Bleu World: https://www.instagram.com/bleuworld_org/
• Facebook: Personal: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.feairheller/. Bleu World: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094620474910
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bleuworld_org

Image Credits
1. Carmen Obied and Steven Lopez from Explorers Photography
2. Christine Dorrity