Daily Inspiration: Meet Kayla Manuel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Manuel.

Hi Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an artist, actor, dancer and entrepreneur. I’m from Inglewood, CA. I am an Alum from Cal State Long Beach with a B.A. Degree in Theatre Performing Arts with an emphasis in Acting. I will receive my Masters of Arts in Education in March 2021 from National University and I’m very grateful for that. Very early on my family knew I had a gift for performing. I started off early as a dancer from age 2-17 years old. I was enrolled in many dance academies performed in many recitals, accepted in dance programs of the likes of Alvin Ailey and participated in other community social events. To further my dance training, I ended up at Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy. Going there pushed me to audition for her Hot Chocolate Nutcracker in 2012. I performed in the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker for two years and within the first year the show was picked up by BET. That started my transition into entertainment and pushed me towards my dreams. Working hard throughout school and finally making it to college, I booked a Super Bowl Commercial for Dove Men Care with my Father and finally chose to major in Theatre Performing Arts with an emphasis in Acting. I wanted to pursue a degree in Theatre because I knew that it would make me a well-rounded artist and entertainer.

My experience in the Theatre Department was life-changing. I challenged myself in many ways. I chose to sacrifice a social life in college to focus and challenge myself in the Theatre Department for 4 1/2 years. I surprised myself with my work ethic and dedication by getting casted in over five shows in the program, touring across country with a physical theatre show, booking two short films and also directing two stage play productions. All of my training and experience propelled me to further a solid career in the industry and I am forever grateful for that. While graduating and completing my undergraduate degree I signed with a talent agency in Los Angeles, CA. It was a goal of mine to get representation that would propel my talents and gift to the next level. While doing so it has been a journey of ups and downs. I booked a T-Mobile commercial and have been in audition rooms with casting directors and studios I’ve always dreamed of. I learned while understanding the industry that it takes a level of mental security of knowing who you are and that you are enough. I continue to remind myself to remain GROUNDED through it all. There are many challenges and tests along the way, however I continue to remember the mantra of “What’s for you is for you”, and this always helps me remember why I continue to work hard towards my dreams.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. The road has been very rocky but I wouldn’t have it any other way. In this industry, we are all flooded with rejection. However, the rejection made me stronger, wiser and hungry. It wouldn’t be a fun journey if it was given to me easy. It takes a level of discipline to go through the challenges. If it were easy everyone would do it. When looking up to other artists in the industry, you learn that it takes a level of adversity. With every audition I’ve received, I’m pretty sure I received 78 NO’s and two YES’s with a couple of callbacks. There are many times where I second guess myself but even then I have to remind myself of why I’m doing it. Why do I continue to try? Why do I continue to train? Why? The “why” is the most important part. If your “why” isn’t strong enough then it’s not meant for you to pursue.

Even as a Black woman in the industry it takes a level of audacity to know I am enough and I am here. To walk into the audition room and demand respect is beautiful. Standing in who you are and taking up space is necessary. It’s easy to have self-doubt, we all have it but what we do with that self-doubt is what matters. Do we walk in with it or do we acknowledge it, own it and then redirect that emotion. It can’t be mastered overnight but I do know that this is a solid way for me to learn from my journey and to continue to face my fears head on.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I find that we are all as a society going through a transition. Throughout this transition, I’ve found that I needed many things to keep me focused and in constant alignment. I will be 25 on the 11th of January 2021 and I see now that providing a platform and outlet that feeds your spirit and provides a level of safety is important. Through this time of living in a pandemic, I’ve grown a business and my spiritual gym. As an artist, it is important to know you are enough. I’ve found that on my journey, the biggest key to success is staying GROUNDED. While working as an artist during the pandemic, I launched my business called GROUNDED.

GROUNDED is a store that promotes health, beauty and wellness. We pride in providing our statement pieces and vices that will help you expand your self-care routine and spiritual gym. This includes Yoga Mats from our GROUNDED Yogi Collection, Jewelry, Sage, Palo Santo and more to help continue to spread peace and good vibes. You can shop and Follow Us at our website at www.groundedcloset.com and follow us on Instagram @grndedcloset. Also to follow up with me and my journey as an Artist you can follow me on Instagram @imkaylaali. I’m so excited to share my journey and can’t wait to continue to share some exciting things along the way!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The mantra: “Where am I? Here. What time is it? Now” helps me in times of feeling like I’m not doing enough. Repeating this mantra is a reminder of knowing exactly where I need to be. YOU are exactly where you need to be. We must enjoy our time now because with the climate we are in today nothing is permanent. Time isn’t tangible, all we have is right now. I’m grateful to have my support system; my Mother, Father and the rest of my family unit to keep me in alignment and humbled. Having a foundation is a gift and a blessing and everyone doesn’t have that. However, I’m grateful to have a family unit that supports me in more ways than I can count. Things that have helped me along the way are doing daily affirmations, yoga, meditation, running, journaling and reading books such as “The Power of Now”, “The Four Agreements” and “The Secret”. All of these things help keep me GROUNDED. It’s also important to never dim your light to make others feel comfortable. I’ve had many times where I’ve felt like I had to take a back seat and let a person have their moment but no, never ever dim your light to make others feel comfortable or for you to seem more palatable to society’s standards.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.groundedcloset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imkaylaali/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundedcloset

Image Credits
@nickbranchphoto @musiy @andreadavidphoto @gina_cholick