My Journey

In April of 2012, I knew one thing: I was graduating with a degree in Graphic Design. I had no job lined up and no career strategy. My plan was to go back to my parents house and continue to work at McDonald's until my next step came into play. Then we had our Portfolio Review and my no-plan plan was thrown out the window, and I went from McDonald's crew member in Hermitage, TN to Creative Director for a startup called SupplyHog in Chattanooga, TN. 

Within 5 months of working at SupplyHog, we were accepted into 500 Startups, a top-notch accelerator program in Silicon Valley. I went from living in the same house my entire life to living in three different places in 1 year with 5 months of that being in walking distance to Google's Campus. I was pushed so far out of my comfort zone during this time but made some amazing friends and contacts along the way. I even got have a sit down meeting with the founder of COLOURlovers! I soaked up all I could about design, process, and UX/UI design. 

We moved back to Chattanooga and I continued my journey at SupplyHog for nearly 2 more years, learning about responsive web design, crafting investor pitches, and figuring out how to make each of my teammates smile in the most stressful of startup-situations. What i had failed to learn though, was what I was passionate about, and how to be happy in a holistic way. I knew I needed a change and decided to look for my 3rd job ever. 

Through my tiny network, I learned of a position within an organization called Million Women Mentors, which focuses on mentorship for girls and women in STEM. The job was not design-focused, and I was ready for a change. I became the State Programs Coordinator for the organization doing things I had never done before. But this new position gave me something i had not had yet in my professional life - a balance. I began doing design for FUN again. I started learning on my own again. And most importantly I began exploring again. Now I have been promoted to State Programs Manager, and my daily tasks are all over the place. In my freetime, I started a blog called Worthy or Waste which allows me to continue exploring. I also delved into the world of dating apps and have posted the crazies on a blog called Today on POF. 

I've learned that I need adventure, change is great, always learn what you want to learn, and have some fucking fun. 

About KaylaKicks

• Southern Girl, who doesn't take shit.
• Proud owner of the most annoying dogs and the cutest turtle.
• Sneaker Obsessed. 
• Cursing is a sign of higher intelligence... so fuck yeah. 

Other Sites: 
Worthy or Waste
Today on POF