Meet Kiaya Johnson | Adviser, Program Coordinator & Business Owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiaya Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kiaya, what do you want people to remember about you?
When I was first given the vision of starting a brand, I was attending a leadership seminar in high school. The speaker was discussing the importance of creating something that would live long after you are no longer physically present on Earth. When I reflected on attributes that describe me and the impact I want to leave behind, the word’s positivity, peace and productivity echoed in my brain. One of the most powerful literary devices are acronyms so I created one that could resonate with the masses, KASH MOVEMENT. KASH is an acronym that stands for Killing All Sources of Hate and MOVEMENT represents consistent growth and elevation. Practicing these core values can ultimately “kill” any obstacle in life. I would like to leave the legacy of the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement. When you invest in yourself, walk in your purpose and show up as your authentic self, success, happiness and fulfillment will find you. I want people to remember me as a servant leader, social change advocate and someone full of love and intent. Through my brand I have been able to curate community service events, motivational merchandise, and engaging content on personal, social, and professional development. I create Killa Experiences in hopes of eliminating the hate the world gives and expanding the love we have within ourselves.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a first-generation college graduate from Texas Christian University, I was afforded the opportunity to serve as a college advisor for TCU’s College Advising Corps. I assist high school juniors and seniors with developing their post-secondary plans whether its college, career or military. I curate workshops covering topics such as resume building, scholarships and interview prep. In partnership with Jazmine Jones of the Boys and Girls Club and Dante Williams of Community Frontline, we were able to create an initiative to support students who have an interest in entrepreneurship, The Entrepreneurs of Eastside. Students are tasked with creating their own brand and displaying their businesses in a pop-up shop experience amongst the entire student body. This program has connected the students with materials and equipment, broader clientele, accumulation scholarship money, public speaking practices and self-advocacy. This position has allowed me to demonstrate my ability to create impactful initiatives and intentional teaching that can help people advance in life through knowing themselves and their skill set. Some difficulties I have faced while obtaining this role is being a full-time employee while also juggling the responsibilities of being a business owner and public speaker. In the beginning I struggled with work life balance. However, I have been able to find the intersection of pursuing both a passion and securing a paycheck by curating various workshops and experiences that align with what my brand represents which is self-improvement and growth. I’ve learned that if you like what you do, then it doesn’t feel like work. I challenge my students to dream and assist them with crafting out a plan to assure they never work another day in their life in a figurative sense. I have been able to use my own trials and tribulations to motivate and inspire the next generation.
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?
The top three places I would recommend visiting in the city would be The AT&T Design District for scenery, great food options and a refreshing experience of Downtown Dallas. Next, I would invite them to R&B Karaoke Night on Wednesdays at GVO Lounge in Addison for great vibes, drink specials and discounted wings. I would close out my DFW Experience at Café 214 for an intimate club experience with quality dining options and hookah available upon request.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout two organizations that have contributed to my success. The All-Stars Project of Dallas, a youth program that teaches development through performance-based activities. This program gave me my first official opportunity to host and plan a large-scale event. I was given multiple job opportunities that funded my early collegiate career, as well as personal support from the staff in various aspects of my life. I would also like to highlight Create + Collaborate, a non-profit organization that assist high school seniors in transitioning into adulthood through a 12-week leadership program, mentorship, and fully furnishing their college dorm rooms. Create + Collaborate has poured into my professional and personal development by exposing me to my passion for youth development and creating equitable opportunities for those who derive from low socioeconomic areas. The culture and community have helped me thrive in my role as a college and career advisor. I currently volunteer as the Program Coordinator and as we grow as an organization, we are seeking funding to be able to further support our students and staff financially. Both of these programs continue to pour into me and allow me to walk in my God given talents of public speaking, creative expression and community development.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kashmovement4/?igsh=anIyNG5rdnVkM2I3&utm_source=qr
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kiaya-johnson-0b9443167
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kashmovement1/status/1441517486147391488?s=46
Image Credits
Brandon Allen Photography
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
