Transitioning into Coaching: A Journey of Alignment and Purpose
“You’re happy when you’re helping other people. It’s who you are. That’s your ticket.”
-Dr. Louis Stone speaking about me moving through life
How it started.
Once upon a time, a young Kayla fell in love with yoga. Who knew that this seemingly simple practice of moving and breathing would become the catalyst for a deeper, more mindful, and connected life? What started as a personal practice blossomed into a path of growth and service. Yoga opened the doors to an internal awareness, showing me how the body and mind are intricately linked. It was a profound realization—one that would shape my entire approach to wellness.
As my relationship with yoga deepened, I made the natural transition from student to teacher. The desire to share this powerful mind-body connection with others grew strong within me. Over time, that passion expanded to include personal training, followed closely by a deep dive into the world of nutrition and how our food can serve as medicine. Each step felt like a piece of a larger puzzle, revealing itself slowly but surely.
But life has a funny way of presenting crossroads when you least expect them. For a brief chapter, I found myself on the brink of an entirely different world.
Master’s of Science,
here we come.
While pursuing my Master’s in Environmental Toxicology, I was immersed in the challenging science of Toxicology while researching the treatment of toxic algae in my hometown. It was intense and dynamic—a blend of science and real-world environmental challenges. Yet, during this time, I continued teaching yoga and meditation at Clemson University. This was a place where I could create a safe environment for people to build awareness of their bodies, minds, and breath—a place where they could dive deep and expand their consciousness.
Looking back, this duality was fascinating. By day, I was entrenched in complex environmental science, and by evening, I was guiding students into mindfulness and stillness. It was as though I was living in two worlds—one focused on external risks, the other on inner awareness. As my master’s program drew to a close, a realization struck: while I enjoyed the intellectual rigor of my studies, my heart was aligned elsewhere.
Instead of stepping into the industry as planned, I opted to continue teaching yoga and meditation. It wasn’t an easy decision at the time, but it felt right. It aligned with my values, it brought me joy, and it gave me a deep sense of purpose—a sense that I was making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The pull to help others expand their awareness was undeniable.
Discovering the Power of Coaching
In 2020, like many others, I found myself facing the transformative energy of the pandemic. It was during this time that I started health coaching with Noom. While I had always been passionate about teaching and training, coaching presented a new and deeply meaningful way to hold space for people.
Coaching wasn’t just about guiding people through physical practices anymore. It became about something much deeper—helping people tap into their values, confront their limiting beliefs, and reconnect with their inner truths. It was an entirely different form of connection. I realized that people had immense potential for growth, and with the right support and a safe, non-judgmental space, they could unlock parts of themselves they never knew existed.
I began to witness the transformation in my clients, not just in terms of weight loss or physical health, but in their ability to embrace their full potential. As a coach, I wasn’t just teaching anymore—I was listening, holding space, and helping people navigate their own paths to growth and healing. This shift, from instructing to guiding, felt monumental. Coaching became a way for me to help people create lasting, holistic change in their lives.
The Motherhood Chapter: A New Depth of Empathy
Then came motherhood. Becoming a mother opened my heart in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It deepened my capacity to empathize, support, and nurture—not just my children but everyone in my life. For a while, much of my energy was focused inward on my family, learning the art of balancing nurturing my children while also caring for myself.
Now, in the second half of 2024, I feel the call to step back into the world in a new way. Motherhood has added layers of compassion and resilience to my approach, and I’m ready to integrate these experiences into my work. It’s time to take all that I’ve learned—through yoga, personal training, studying, teaching, coaching, science, and motherhood—and channel it into something greater.
Answering the Call to Serve
I believe that everything in life is connected, and our experiences are all part of a larger story. Each step of my journey has built upon the last, creating a foundation for the work I’m now called to do. I’m being pulled to guide others, to help them find balance not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m called to be a vessel for transformation—for both individuals and our collective.
As I grow, my offerings will grow too. Coaching, workshops, courses, retreats—all of these things are on the horizon, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me. Whether it's one-on-one sessions or community workshops, I am fired up with the potential of what’s to come—for me, for you, and for our communities.
This is a moment of expansion, a moment to ground and unlock our potential together. There is so much wisdom and power within each of us. We just need the right environment to tap into it, and that’s what I’m here to help create.
This journey is just beginning, and I’m deeply grateful to share it with you. Have you ever felt called to step into something more aligned with your purpose? I’d love to hear your story — share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue growing together.
With love & gratitude,
Kayla
