My name is Kayla and I am the first Professional Bodybuilder to emerge from my hometown in Ohio!

Being a part of the IFBB Pro League wasn’t always the dream I had in mind. In school, I was the band kid who kept the stats for all the other great athletes in the sports programs. I was shy and my self confidence was low, so this was my way of getting involved without risking embarrassment. Which leads me to my “why.”

Everyone has a “why,” their reason to move forward. It’s what fuels your fire when times are the darkest, and pushes you to levels you didn’t know you were capable of. My “why,” is to prove that you have a choice. You don’t have to be the person you are or were, and people really can change. You can choose to be better each and every day both physically and mentally. Is it easy? No. Does it require work? Absolutely! If it didn’t, we wouldn’t appreciate it.

Be humble, be grateful, and learn from your mistakes. Always put in the work for what you want. You are not entitled to anything in this world, and deserve nothing more than what you work for. Surround yourself with like-minded people and appreciate those who support you and those who help you, especially when times are dark. Rise up and make the choice to be better. Your happiness depends on it.