Meet Kayla O’Connor | Artist & Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla O’Connor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, how do you think about risk?
I would say I have a slightly above average risk tolerance than the average person, which I firmly believe has brought me to where I am today with Mind & Company. I have this belief in the back of my head that your goals and aspirations will only show up to the degree you are willing to show up for them. For this reason, I have taken a leap of faith this year and solely focused on art and yoga to launch myself and my business forward 10 fold. The risk of quitting my day job that provided a stable income has played a significant role in my life/career, which includes reigniting the passion and motivation I had when I first started Mind & Company. I know it to be natural for entrepreneurs to slowly lose the spark they first felt when they began their business – think of it like a honeymoon phase at the beginning of a relationship. But, I can say with confidence, that taking large risks constantly reignites the honeymoon phase of my business and only attracts more opportunities my way. After quitting my day job, I have reflected on the fact that although this is the most unpredictable my life has been, this is also the most confident I have every felt.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My art and yoga practice was founded on the concept that you truly need to come as you are, and sit with where you are. I think the transparency of what inspires each drawing/painting/yoga sequence is what sets me apart from others – I am not afraid to be vulnerable. This is how I got to where I am today professionally – I consistently refuse the idea of “find something that people like and do that.” I will always show up how I am and create in ways I relate to, and I know others will slowly find their way to me. This was not easy in the sense that income was slow at first. Because I refused to do what was “trendy,” people had to adjust to seeing my style. However, it has definitely become easier and people have started to open themselves up more and allow themselves to be open to my art and practice. This ties into the greatest lesson I have learned along the way – stay true to YOURSELF and believe in YOURSELF and know that YOU ARE VALUABLE. Show up as you are, don’t try to be a trend. Trends fade, you’re here for a bit longer than a trend. Also, you’re never going to feel ready, so might as well just send it now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I would plan a cabin trip in a dope ass air bnb with large windows and a fireplace. We would play games, drink wine, bake, watch movies, go sledding or skiing/snowboarding, and hot tub. Basically, I’m a HUGE sucker for these type of cabin trips. The mountains are so incredible as making you feel small yet empowered. I think that’s why I’m drawn to them. You may have guessed I would take them some place artsy like Meow Wolf, but if I had just one week with them I would want to do something that makes me feel the most present and quiet minded, which is this.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are SO many people I could give a shoutout to for helping me along my journey. I have felt so incredibly loved this year. So, I’ll break down my shoutouts by category.

PEOPLE – My friends for constantly hyping me up in every way imaginable (and then some), Sasha Starseed for allowing me to come to your incredible sound baths as a vendor, Jasmine/Collaboratory Complex for welcoming me in as a yoga instructor and fueling my passion even further, Guided by Gaia creations for your incredible share of advice and connections.

MARKETS – Thank you to Horseshoe, Firsthand, Bonfire, Hooked on Colfax, Live Easy, Little Eden Plantscaping, The Local, Firefly, and RiNo Showcase for allowing me to have a space at your markets to further connect with my community.

ORGANIZATIONS – Jonah Kest/Become a Yogi for teaching me how to be a bad-ass yoga instructor, Collaboratory Complex, SweatNet Denver, and Strength in the City for allowing me to lead all yoga-related events, The X Denver, Nurture, and the Bronze Petal for providing space for me to lead mindful drawing and yoga workshops.

And, of course, thank you to all the people I have never met but are what allow these communities and spaces to operate, whether that is through engineering, farming, delivery, marketing, etc. you name it.

It truly takes a village.

Website: mindandcompany.co

Instagram: @mind_and_co

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRHO2pWb-bvLY0RNND4IFQ