Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Harley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was in the city of Chicago, fresh out of college pursuing my dreams as a Dancer/Singer. After a great show run with Tony Award Winning Show “CATS”, I had nothing to go on to– yet I was tenacious enough and willing to remain in the city to make a life that I’d work so hard for, work. Unfortunately for me, there just wasn’t a next performance gig for me-I simply did not get booked. One evening, I started mixing up herbs, essential oils and au natural ingredients to make what would become my very first product in the Marketplace–“Beard Juice”, a luster and hair shine revitalizing spray cleanser for Men’s Beards. Chicago was city where just about all of the guys had a beard in creative styles and impressive cuts. Perfect. At the time, I was dating a guy who also had a beard and I felt compelled to make something for it that was just as appealing to me as a woman, as it’d been for him to use the product. His compliment and approval gave me the gusto to make more and one day I mustered up the strength to tote my first batch of 12 bottles on the train. I had an idea to just panhandle the sprays, until I reached my quota. Instead, what ended up doing was riding in fear of where to begin and instead bonded with a brilliant street performing Trumpeter, named Reginald Conyers, who invited me to come and improvise at his hotspot, inside the O’Hare International Airport lobby where he played Christmas Carol melodies. There, I did it all, I twirled, leaped, pantomimed, acted and posed drawing audiences near, wowing them with our touching Holiday serenade. I sold a only a few items there but made enough to buy out the whole inventory just from dancing. It was a short lived stint, but a fun intermission of street performing, I made what I needed, packed my bags and left Chitown.
Years later, I would add new products to the BeeBodi Marketplace with organic of-the-earth ingredients that nourish the body and calm the mind. The name “Beebodi [bee-ba-dee] came right away and stayed with me as I tagged on other elements of health and wellness both into my personal life and into the business. My life as a dancer transitioned sooner into becoming a personal trainer, certified breathing pathologist, holistic practitioner and wellness blogger of 10 years. Today, I offer my services and my products inthe Beebodi Marketplace, and educate the public on the importance of health.
The brand engages Friends, Family and Followers through social media and offers: nutritional advice, self-care initiatives, customized meal plans and weekly content via a podcast series“BeeBodi Talks”. I was once dubbed the “Positive Princess” (jokingly)–no, really and truly Positive Affirmations have transformed my life and are a part of who I am and how I’ve managed to make this business work for me. You will find there: reflections, wisdom talks and holistic guidance discussions streaming on iTunes Podcast and Soundcloud. These positive affirmations are available for listening and repeating. Overall, I am a Storyteller, I provide wellness advice from research as well as from personal experience. At the end of each segment, I end with a reminder to: “Treat, Support and Invigorate your Human Bodies.”
On our Youtube Channel, we feature the “Mantra Movement” Series, guided movement, gesture stretches and/or postures paired together with the reciting of scriptures from the Holy Bible. The GYROKINESIS® Expansion System can also be accessed through the Marketplace: Group Classes and Private Sessions are available! Our program initiatives, educate the public and connect to the local community in more ways than one. During Youth Summer Camps led by those such as: Black Girl Code and The Woman Behind the Business, we teach through lecture and demonstration how to live a sustainable life, empowering young girls ages 13 – 17 years old to consider the state of their health starting from a young age. Beebodi is active in community fairs, advocating and uplifting along the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
Smooooooth. Yes and No.
There were challenges, yes. But also, they were anticipated because I understood that there was so much to learn during the process of building a business and a brand. There were moments of frustration and despair when after putting in so much effort to create content or trying something new online, I’d lose reception or had to log out of library computer, as I did not have a laptop. There were times….many of times where I’d lost all of my work and had to start from scratch. I’d work hard to create marketing campaigns or put out display tables that would only reach one or two people. The truth is, that it takes time to build an audience, to connect with the right people and gain consistent following. There are so many other ambitious and talented people out there–it can be disheartening when we start to compare ourselves or get distracted in the quiet seasons or low moments.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a Brandista, I manage the virtual presence, influence and interactions between my brand and others to increase audience engagement and build web traffic. The BeeBodi Marketplace partners with local brands, travel companies such as “Adzentures” & “IslandPeopleCarnivals” among a few that promotes travel lifestyle and excursion experiences. When I cross paths with those who are doing exceptional things and working just as hard, I plug them into my network as much as possible because I enjoy celebrating others and evolving as a community. It is certainly true that Wellness and Fitness belongs to everyone. With the Beebodi Marketplace, we try to show that.
As a representative of my own self, I wear my BeeBodi stamped activewear with the logo printed on yoga pants, tops and activewear bras so as to strike up conversation with individuals who want to improve their workout performance and ability. I produce creative content that is original, informative and unique to new audiences in various communities. I’ve been a writer/blogger for so many years now–therefore I post full articles: research and personal stories on the five (5) sectors of health: Mental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and Financial.
It’s great.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! Los Angeles is full of vibrant, energetic, health conscious and supportive people. Early morning walks, hikes, bike riding and walking is certainly an inspiration to see. There is more than enough active members in the community of LA to establish oneself and or get started with any routine. The views from the Mountains are breathtaking here. And there are plenty of juice dispensaries and weekend fitness events to take part in. I love it. A Culture of Sustainable Living.
If someone is just starting out, my advice is accept the reality that whatever it is you’re doing or selling is NOT going to appeal to everyone. Take your time and get to know your brand. Don’t be eager to receive recognition, make connections.
Pricing:
- $75 per hour/hour &half session GYROKINESIS ®
- $25 Beebodi Affirmation Online Card Deck
- $9.99 A Travel Dancer, Financial Wellness Book about Travel/Tour Life
Contact Info:
- Address: Beverly Hills Los Angeles, CA 90025
- Website: www.kaylaharley.com
- Phone: 3018822113
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @beebodi @thegkbabe
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/beebodi/ - Other: www.beebodi.blogspot.
com
Image Credit:
Private GYROKINESIS Session with Rastafarian, Poet: Skripcha, Avon Walk for Life in Washington DC, Tidal Basin (in pink shirts), LAte Elijah Cummings Scholarship Recipients at the Annual Black Caucus Convention (3 Girls) holding a BeeBodi Positive Affirmation Card of the Day, WBB, The Woman Behind the Business, Youth Ladies Mentorship Session teaching Meditation and self-care.
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Check out the VoyageLA Podcast:
Episode 1 with Content Partner Lisa Taitelman, Founder of Hiking & Wellness company Find Your Trail.
