Meet Kayla Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, 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?

Resilience often stems from life experiences, personal values, and the people who shape us. For me, it’s a blend of faith, being a mother, and the lessons learned from overcoming challenges. Watching my son grow inspires me to push through, and the strength I’ve seen in others fuels my determination.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a licensed real estate agent with over seven years of experience in Illinois and Missouri, and I’m also a proud advocate for diversity, inclusion, and community education in the industry. Beyond real estate, I’m a passionate educator, mentor, and creative soul, wearing many hats as a mom, entrepreneur, and advocate for children’s well-being.

What excites me most about what I do is the opportunity to guide people through some of the most significant decisions of their lives, whether it’s buying a home, growing their family, or building generational wealth. Real estate is more than just transactions—it’s about creating a space where people feel safe, valued, and at home. I love being a part of those moments and helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Outside of real estate, I’ve also cultivated a brand that reflects my personal passions. I’m deeply involved in teaching real estate professionals how to better serve diverse communities, planning unforgettable events, and advocating for children’s social and emotional development. I also find joy in sewing, cooking, and decorating—creating beauty in every corner of life.

What’s new? This year, I’m stepping into several exciting projects! I’m currently working on a 15-chapter romance/drama novel, exploring my creative writing side. Additionally, I’m planning to launch workshops and resources for parents of children with autism, focusing on building social skills, fine motor skills, and emotional regulation. And for those in the real estate world, I’ll soon be introducing online courses and tools to help agents level up their business while staying true to their values.

Through all these endeavors, my goal is to inspire and uplift, while showing others that it’s possible to juggle your passions, pursue your dreams, and make a meaningful impact. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I can pinpoint three qualities and skills that were absolutely pivotal in my journey: **resilience, adaptability, and connection.

Each of these has shaped not only my career but also how I approach life as a whole.

Resilience: Life isn’t without its challenges, and my journey has had its fair share of setbacks. But resilience has taught me that obstacles are just stepping stones. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace failure as part of the process. Learn from it, grow from it, and don’t let it define you. Cultivating resilience takes time, but staying committed to your goals, even when things get tough, will make you stronger and more determined.

Adaptability: Change is constant, whether it’s in the real estate market, personal circumstances, or even shifting passions. The ability to pivot and adapt has been essential for me to stay relevant and continue growing. For those starting out, focus on building a growth mindset. Read, take courses, and challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. The more you expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives, the more adaptable you’ll become.

Connection: Relationships are everything. Whether it’s building trust with clients in real estate, supporting other parents of children with autism, or working with teams, genuine connections have been key to my success. For those beginning their journey, invest in your interpersonal skills. Listen more than you speak, show empathy, and always look for ways to add value to others. A strong network and authentic relationships will take you far.

Above all, remember that progress takes time. Be patient with yourself, and focus on small, consistent steps toward growth. The combination of these qualities will not only help you navigate challenges but also open doors to opportunities you may not have imagined.

Keep learning, stay humble, and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support—you’re not in this alone!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned that the key is to pause and reset. Juggling multiple roles as a mom, entrepreneur, creative, and advocate, it’s easy to feel like everything is happening all at once. In those moments, I remind myself to slow down and take intentional steps to regain my balance.

The first thing I do is prioritize and break things down. When everything feels urgent, I stop and make a list of what truly matters at that moment. By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, I can focus on progress rather than perfection. It’s all about asking yourself, *What absolutely needs to get done today?* Once you figure that out, you can let go of the rest—at least for now.

Sometimes, when my mind is racing, I know it’s time for a mental break. A quick walk, a deep-breathing session, or even belting out a karaoke tune can work wonders to clear my head. These small resets help me re-center and return to my tasks with a clearer perspective. Never underestimate the power of a 10-minute pause to recharge.

I’ve also learned the importance of leaning on my support system. For a long time, I thought I had to do everything on my own, but asking for help is one of the smartest things you can do. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, delegating tasks, or simply venting, I’ve come to realize that it’s not a weakness—it’s a strength. Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you, and don’t be afraid to rely on them when you need it.

Reflecting and reframing are also key strategies for me. Overwhelm is often temporary, and I remind myself that it doesn’t define who I am or what I’m capable of. Taking a moment to reflect on my progress, acknowledge what I’m grateful for, and see the bigger picture can shift my entire mindset. Instead of thinking, *I have so much to do,* I try to reframe it as, *I’m fortunate to have these opportunities.*

Lastly, I’ve realized how important it is to plan for self-care. Overwhelm often creeps in when I’ve neglected my own needs. I make it a point to carve out time to recharge, whether it’s through sewing, cooking a comforting meal, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Above all, I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself is the first step toward managing everything else. When you pause, reflect, and give yourself the grace to reset, everything feels a little more manageable.

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