We recently connected with Kayla And Manny Hightower and have shared our conversation below.
Kayla and Manny, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
For Manny and me, resilience comes from faith, lived experience, and a heart to serve. We’ve both faced battles that could have broken us, but God used them to build us. Our background in mental health taught us that healing is a process, and with the right tools and support, people can rise. Resilience isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about trusting God, leaning on each other, and showing up anyway.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My husband Manny and I own Bigfoot Axe Throwers & Rage Room in Kissimmee, FL. It’s a unique space where people can release stress, reconnect, and have fun. With our backgrounds in mental health, we’ve seen how therapeutic it can be to throw an axe or break a few things in a safe, judgment-free environment.
What makes our space special is the atmosphere. It feels like family here—welcoming, empowering, and the perfect balance of chaos and calm. We’re excited to be expanding with Color Chaos, our new splatter paint room that’s perfect for families, creatives, and anyone who just needs to let loose. We’re also launching guided group experiences and silent disco nights to help people heal, bond, and enjoy something truly different.
At Bigfoot, we’re more than just entertainment. We’re about impact, connection, and giving people a space to breathe.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been faith, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
• Faith – Owning a business and walking in purpose isn’t always a straight path. There were seasons when we had more questions than answers, but staying grounded in our faith reminded us that we were called to this and that God doesn’t waste anything—not even the hard parts.
• Adaptability – The ability to pivot has saved us more times than I can count. Whether it’s adjusting to customer feedback, learning how to market better, or shifting the vision as we grow, being flexible without losing the core of who we are has been crucial.
• Emotional intelligence – Coming from a mental health background, I’ve seen how important it is to lead with empathy, manage stress, and read the room—especially in a business centered around helping people release their own emotions. Understanding people deeply helps us serve them better.
My advice for those just starting is this: stay curious, stay grounded, and don’t rush the process. Develop your inner world just as much as your business plan. The more you grow personally, the more equipped you’ll be to handle what comes your way.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, we’re always open to partnering and collaborating with others who share our heart for impact, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a fellow business owner, event planner, mental health professional, or content creator, we love teaming up with people who believe in creating meaningful, fun, and healing experiences.
We’re especially interested in collaborations that bring value to families, local communities, and tourists looking for something unique. If you’re passionate about wellness, connection, or just doing something different that brings people joy, we’d love to connect.
You can reach out to us through our website or on Instagram at @bigfootaxethrowers. We’re excited to build with others who believe fun and purpose can go hand in hand.
Contact Info:
- Website: Bigfootaxethrowers@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/Bigfootaxethrowers
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/Bigfootaxethrowers
- Linkedin: https://Www.LinkedIn.com/Bigfootaxethrowers
- Youtube: https://Www.YouTube.com/Bigfootaxethrowers
- Yelp: Bigfootaxethrowers
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.