We recently had the chance to connect with Kayla Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kayla, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
These days I find I lose myself in thoughts and photos. When I am faced with a challenging day, I come home, change into comfy clothes and grab my Nikon camera. I snap on a lens, check for a SD card and off I go. I head outside and wander my 3 acres to breathe some fresh air. I will walk around for hours, in my own little bubble zooming in on leaves, flowers, trees, whatever sparks my attention. It offers an opportunity for me to get lost in my own thoughts. Walk among my visions of macro photography as I set into deep thoughts of my next chapter to a new book.
It is a way to disappear, step into a space of your own. Pull from the chaos of the world, decompress from my troubled heart and create something new. Create something beautiful from the negative.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Kayla Jones is the heart and soul of Kayla’s Unique Eye, LLC (KUE). Her journey into photography was one of self-discovery and healing. Now, she uses this opportunity to share her vision with the world through the camera lens. Kayla inspires individuals with her service to her community and work with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as the new Commander of the Dept. of Texas.
Her focus these days is enjoying the author’s life. Two years ago, professional photographer and owner Kayla Jones released her first coffee table book “Unique Vision”. She is releasing her new book “Her Powerful Voice” hitting the shelves in September. The new book brings her loves in one place. Its deep dives into challenges, empowerment, failures, inspiration and a powerful comeback.
Photography will always be her love; it is more than clicking a button on the top of your camera. It’s creating an image that ponders the viewer. Her fav is macro photography, capturing the details and bringing them to life. Being a photographer is a way of life, a way to express her emotions through art. KUE is designed to give inspiration and encouragement while building a legacy of faith and empowerment.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest, I would honestly say, was 2014. I got the nerve to make a huge change in my life. A change for the positive, a change which put me on a journey to finding myself again. At times, this world distracts us from where we envision our lives to be, yet we end up in directions to teach us our strength. Once we figure this out, it is like a light bulb turning on or a flash of light, we wake up from what feels like a dream.
I stepped out to create a new life for me. A life full of change in all directions. This was the first time I truly felt in control of my destiny. This is where a new version of myself unraveled, developing into a powerful story of a comeback journey worth telling. Hence, the new book Her Powerful Voice. These last few years have been the beginning, the stepping stones of what’s to come. So stay tuned, this woman entrepreneur has a fire in her soul and is ready to move to the next step. Grab your fav cup of coffee and let’s get started.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I am not sure I ever stopped. I have diverted to using my vision and words to express the pain still lurking in the shadows. I learned I can continue sulking in the pain, the tears, the self-doubt or move to a more positive mindset. No matter what surrounds me, I focus on the one positive thing I can see. This gives me the power to renew a journey lost. Life is about experiences, good or bad. The more we embrace it, the better life transforms into more.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
When you ask my closest “girl squad” or “dream team” they would tell you what really matters is family, blood or not, my fellow brother and sisters in arms matter the most. They would say, “She is an inspiration to others in helping create their journeys to success personally and professionally.” She is always volunteering and loves working with veterans.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Nothing, I love working with veterans daily, I love my DAV family, and I love building my legacy with my business. If I was limited in my time left in this world, I would not waste a second. In the moment, rather I am signing books, volunteering my time, or just collaborating with a friend on a new project. Every moment is layed out, a part of God’s plan to enhance a path. I would live intentionally, giving everyone around me an opportunity to embrace life through encouragement and laughter. I tell my family, building a legacy is not monetary, it is a way of life. A feeling you leave behind for others to carry on for years to come.
Image Credits
Kayla Jones, Owner of Kayla’s Unique Eye
Tetiana Riggs, Owner of Bright Colors
