Meet Kaila “Kayo” Thompson | Content Creator and Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaila “Kayo” Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaila “Kayo”, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has been a cornerstone in shaping my career as a content creator. From the beginning, I knew that to stand out and make a meaningful impact, I had to embrace uncertainty and venture into the unknown. It wasn’t always easy, but the thought of looking back on my life with regret, saying “I should’ve tried that,” was a powerful motivator.

Taking risks meant experimenting with new formats, tackling controversial topics, and sometimes even investing time and resources into projects without a guaranteed return. Each of these decisions required stepping out of my comfort zone, but they also opened doors to unexpected opportunities and growth.

Looking back, it’s clear that every risk I took played a crucial role in my journey. It wasn’t just about the successes, but also the failures that taught me invaluable lessons and pushed me to improve. By embracing risk, I’ve been able to create authentic and engaging content that reflects my true self and connects deeply with my audience.

In the end, the willingness to take risks has not only shaped my career but also enriched my life, ensuring that I never have to wonder “what if.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about authenticity and self-expression, breaking away from the conventional norms that culture often tries to impose on us. What sets me apart is my commitment to staying true to myself and encouraging my audience to do the same. I create content that resonates on a personal level, whether it’s through storytelling, visual art, or digital media, aiming to inspire others to live their truths and pursue their passions without fear.

One of the things I am most proud of is the community I have built around this ethos. Seeing people connect over shared experiences and support each other in their journeys to authenticity is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited about the new projects I’m working on that push the boundaries of creativity and continue to challenge societal expectations.

Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. The path was riddled with uncertainties and setbacks. There were times when it felt like nothing was going right, and the temptation to conform to safer, more mainstream content was strong. However, the thought of looking back on my life and saying, “I should’ve tried that,” kept me going. I knew I had to stay true to my vision, even if it meant taking risks and facing criticism.

Overcoming these challenges required a lot of perseverance and self-belief. I surrounded myself with supportive people who understood my mission and kept pushing forward, even when the road was tough. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that failure is not the opposite of success but a part of it. Each setback taught me something valuable and helped me refine my craft.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that it’s okay to be different. It’s okay to reject what culture tries to feed you and instead carve out your own path. Authenticity is powerful, and by embracing it, we can create meaningful, impactful work that resonates on a deeper level. My journey is a testament to the power of living authentically, and I hope to inspire others to do the same, knowing they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In DC, we’re known for our brunch spots, rooftops and lounges.

My favorite speakeasy is Out of Office at the Manifest gentlemen’s lounge.

My favorite restaurant is Chaplains because I’m a Ramen fanatic.

My favorite activity is sitting pool side with my friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Andrew Nguyen – Founder of the O Agency

TL Benton – Founder of Mecca Filmworks

The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading Organization

Every Dance Teacher I had the privilege of learning from.

And most importantly my family.

Each person listed is apart of my village and wants to see me WIN! By there encouragement and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://www.vsnhouse.co

Instagram: kayokolee