Meet Kayla Hooey | Lifestyle Blogger

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

Hi Kayla, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My balance has changed greatly in just the past year alone! I went from moving back home with my family after I graduated college and just having to focus on my 9-5 job to being in grad school, a newlywed, and a homeowner. So I know all too well that life transitions can completely change the balance you may have created for yourself or what you are typically accustomed to. With my life transitioning so quickly it definitely was/can be extremely overwhelming at times. I had to continue to remind myself while we were in wedding planning and home building mode at the same time that everything is temporary and that I could get through it. Even now with getting into the swing of my new normal I still go through sprints where my schedule has to change due to my work or school schedule and have to adapt to something new yet again. Due to this my Husband always reminds me that you have to take things one day at a time and not get caught up on always crossing things off a to-do list which has greatly changed my view on balance. Balance is truly what you make it for any given day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to think that I am a woman that wears many hats. Even though I do work as a Tech Consultant by day, by night I am a lifestyle blogger/content creator and grad student while also being a wife 24/7! With all of this on my plate, I think it not only sets me apart from others but also makes me relatable to many. There are so many women doing the same thing that I’m doing, but the beauty of it all is that we all do it differently. With my 9-5, I love to be able to work with different clients on different issues that they may be facing and also know that I am not stuck doing the same thing everyday for the rest of my life. I feel that the constant change keeps me on my toes and going! I have no room to be stagnic because as soon as I feel it coming on I am on to the next role and that is what excites me. I have been in this line of work for almost 4 years now, and I joined my firm straight out of college. Being that I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, I had a lot to learn about the world of business and how to navigate business correctly in the consulting world. I overcame these challenges by having a sponge like mentality and having great managers and mentors along the way pushing me and giving me feedback daily. It definitely has not been an easy journey and has came with a lot of challenges, tears and growing pains, but I have always kept the end goal in mind. I plan to continue climbing the corporate ladder and being an example for minority women that you can excel in your career as a woman and can even create multiple lanes/incomes for yourself while doing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Houston, so I would love to think that I would know how to show a friend a good time that came into town! I don’t think a Houston trip is complete without a trip to the Galleria. You have to touch down in the Galleria for some shopping and great food options. Really and truly it may even take a few days to get the full Downtown Houston experience from the food to the parks and the museums there is always something going on in the city. Now with brunch being a must for most, I would have to recommend checking out The Breakfast Club and Phil & Derek’s. Some of my other favorite spots for lunch or dinner would have to be Cheesecake Factory (of course!), Grand Lux, Gloria’s, and Gringos. If you’re looking for upscale dining definitely would recommend Flemings, 51Ffifteen, or Perry’s Steakhouse.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am extremely thankful for my entire tribe and everyone that supports/pushes me to follow my dreams day in and day out! I would be remiss to not thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I credit all of my accomplishments and success to him as he continues to guide my steps throughout my life. I, of course, have to thank my amazing husband David Hooey. I am forever grateful to have you in my corner pushing me to be better than I was yesterday and keeping me accountable in every aspect of my life. Lastly, I would not be here where I am today if it wasn’t for my Mom, Nana, and Papa. They all sacrificed so much for me during my childhood and I truly could never repay them!

Website: therealklass.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylashaehooey

Image Credits
Photographers: Cory Dixon and Steve Styles Photo