Meet Trailblazer Kayla Rae

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

Kayla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started singing and writing music around the age of five. I knew I loved to tell stories so I would write short stories, poems, anything to my ideas out my head. Then, I started singing the words I was writing and one day, I was like “huh, I’m a songwriter.” I naturally gravitated twists music and performing because as a child, I loved being the center of attention. So, as I got older, I started surrounding myself with other musicians, actors, artists, anyone who did anything creative. I left Colorado Springs (where I grew up) four years ago and decided to start making a name for myself here. I didn’t know anyone I would just connect through social media and get on random shows, open mics, anything I could find. I played a lot of empty shows for many months but I got so much support online from the music I was releasing so I just kept grinding. I recorded, edited and mixed all my music in my bedroom so it was honestly therapy for me. I never got tired of it.

Eventually, I got asked to open for KS107.5 Summer Jam and I think that woke Denver up to me a little bit. That’s when I met the gang at Side 3 who are now my team. I have a business partner/manager and a producer I work extremely close with every day and I honestly believe the 3 of us were meant for each other. Now, we’re traveling, making amazing music but most importantly, making our mark in the music industry. We’re gonna change the world together.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some days are easy as cake! Doing what you love and what comes natural, it’s almost too good to be true how easy it is to wake up and do what you love. And other days, it’s bumpy as hell. Creating a brand and a business and running it is not easy. It’s emotional, testing and requires a lot of discipline. I think the obstacles I’ve encountered have been more personal, not necessarily what anyone has done or anything that’s gotten in the way. I can handle the outside bs just fine. It’s my internal battles that require the most effort. Learning to trust myself, learning to love myself and know I’m doing the right thing. Advice I’d give other women is just to be yourself and have fun doing what makes you happy. Don’t overthink and STAY CONSISTENT. Do it every day.

Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an artist and I hope I’m known for inspiring others and being a good person. I just want to be aware of the people around me and the people watching and I want to make them feel like they can do anything. I want to inspire change and positivity. I’m proud that I stay true to myself. I have a lot of different sides to me and I’m not afraid to show them. I’m not afraid to say I’m human and some days I feel like this, some days I feel like that. I’m an artist and god made me this way for a reason. I have a story to tell and I’m proud that I have never forgotten that. And never will. Business, the entertainment industry, money, all that can cloud what’s real but I’m staying me until it’s all over. Corky, funny, genuine, extroverted introvert Kayla, lol.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Educate yourself on the business you’re entering into and be smart. Be the front runner, the one that drives the boat so when you do start building a network, you’re confident and solid in what you bring to the table. The right people will find you the more you surround yourself with what it is you do. That’s how you network and how you attract your circle. You stay submerged in that lifestyle. Never be afraid to tell everyone you meet what you do and who you are. I stay around the music, that’s where I’m always at. I surround myself with creative people and people that help me grow. What’s worked for me is being consistent and saying out loud the things I want to accomplish.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaylaraemusic.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/kaylaraemusic
• Facebook: Facebook.com/kaylaraemusic02
• Twitter: Twitter.com/kaylaraemusic
• Other: Youtube.com/kaylaraemusic

Image Credit:
Thinc Inc and Peter Noir

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