An Inspired Chat with Kyla Skinner of Central Coast CA

We recently had the chance to connect with Kyla Skinner and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyla, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My business, Specs by Kyla, was recently recognized by a trade magazine, Invision, as the Best Optical Retailer in 2025. I’ve been in business for 4 years now, and it was surreal to be acknowledged with this award, by my peers.

2025’s America’s Finest Optical Retailer Winner Is Specs by Kyla, Atascadero, CA

Up until now, I’ve struggled with worry that every move could cause my business to fail, every financial decision – every choice, also every change in the political scene, tariffs etc…extreme worry about all of it. Winning this award was very grounding to me, in a way, telling me I’m here to stay. I have learned to stay in the moment and face challenges with confidence knowing I can figure it out and be smarter on the other side.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kyla Skinner. I am a licensed optician, and have worked in this field since I was 19 years old. I love that my work combines fashion, technology, and connecting with people, helping them see better. I’ve always worked for optometrists and I saw a need in my hometown for unique eyewear. I opened an optical shop in Atascadero, CA – carrying only independent eyewear brands, and offer personalized fittings for clients, where they sit down with a drink and experience a guided consultation to find the perfect frame for their face and visual needs.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
It was more like who I became when I stopped listening to who people told me I needed to be. I was adopted in early childhood, after being passed around in foster care for a while. I believe those experiences shaped me to be a people pleaser, to stay safe.

I was raised in a very strict religion, everything was black and white, no questions were allowed. It was very easy to know what was expected of me. It felt safe until it really didn’t. At around age 35, it didn’t feel right to me. I was having sever anxiety and I realized my life didn’t align with my internal values. I lost a whole community, and really everything familiar. It was the lowest I have ever felt, and this was combined with the turmoil of COVID and the world shutdown. I do think this time gave me the quiet to hear myself think, and out of that hard time arose my ability to make huge changes in my life, and start my business.

I love living life authentically, with no judgement of others, and I have found a huge community who loves me for who I am.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I had never understood people who felt suicidal, but when I lost my birth mom in death shortly after we reconnected in 2019, then losing my community leaving the religion, then COVID filled with so many fears and unknowns, I didn’t want to live anymore. Life felt like it had no potential to shift to a place where I could find joy again.

I am so grateful I didn’t give up. I look at my life now, where literally my biggest dream has come true, owning a successful business full of hope and potential, it feels almost unbelievable.

I made it through one breath, one moment at a time.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I share a lot of my journey on social media and it is very personal, but it has been a way to share my story, feel heard and understood. As my business grows and I become more well known on the internet and in our downtown community, sometimes it is hard to stay balanced. When I’m tired and don’t want to talk to anyone. But after living a life trying to fit into a mold, I can no longer fit into that – and I have no other choice than to be absolutely real and authentic. To be anything else feels suffocating.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
After leaving organized religion, I have found peace and spirituality in nature. I remember thinking: if that was the wrong path, there must be a right one that I needed to find. But any organized religion made me feel sick inside, literally. I realized I could find peace in the unknowns and in the beauty of the earth. Being surrounded by trees, the sound of my feet on the trail and birds chirping, and the breeze on my face is where I feel that everything will be ok. Mankind is awful to each other, but the earth continues it’s beauty. That is so centering for me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Carlee Tatum with Milk & Thistle Photography

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