Meet Jayla Smith | Mental Health Therapist & Fashion Editor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayla Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jayla, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a full-time therapist and part-time writer, my work-life balance has evolved significantly over time. Early in my career, I often found myself overwhelmed, trying to juggle my responsibilities without much time for self-care. Over time, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing my well-being. Now, I remind myself daily that I am living in my calling and my gift. My calling is to help others through counseling, and my gift is writing, which I embrace wholeheartedly.
I think about balance as a dynamic process. I create it for myself by taking breaks throughout the day and investing in self-care in various forms. This approach allows me to grind and have fun simultaneously. Sharing my journey from Houston to LA with others is part of this balance, as it reminds me of my growth and the importance of both my professional and personal lives. Ultimately, achieving balance is about doing what genuinely makes me happy and fulfilled.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Between my professional lifestyle and my art, I think it’s rare to hear about someone balancing both successfully. Yes, I have a demanding 9-5 job in the mental health industry, but after work, I’m still dedicated to my passion as a writer, making sure I’m continually chasing my dreams. What sets me apart is the grind and the motivation. Coming from Houston, we are natural hustlers – we get where we want to be at the end of the day. I brought that hustle with me to LA. Not everyone has that as a natural instinct.
When I don’t grind, I feel like I’m giving up on myself, and that’s something I will never do. It takes lots of practice in my writing and ethical life, lots of changing the narrative, and lots of finishing what I started.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
They call me the Houston hottie for a reason. Megan may be THEE Houston hottie, but having lived in Houston all my life, I think I can share a thing or two. Here’s a condensed 3-day itinerary for an unforgettable time in Houston:
Day 1: Exploring the City
Morning: Pick up from the airport and check-in at a boutique hotel in the Montrose area.
Brunch: Enjoy breakfast at The Breakfast Klub for their famous chicken and waffles.
Afternoon: Visit the Museum District, starting with the Museum of Fine Arts, then take a stroll through Hermann Park and visit the Japanese Garden.
Evening: Dinner at Bungalow in downtown for a stylish dining experience, followed by a nightcap at High & Dry, a trendy rooftop bar.
Day 2: Food and Fun
Morning: Brunch at Tiny Boxwoods, known for its beautiful garden setting.
Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon at Hermann Park, visiting the Japanese Garden.
Evening: Dinner at Parker’s for some hookah and delicious food, then maybe end up at CRU for their tower mimosas.
Day 3: Beach Day Adventure
Morning: Early departure for Crystal Beach.
All Day: Spend the day at the new Margaritaville at Crystal Beach with a day pass. Enjoy the pool, beach, and all the amenities Margaritaville has to offer.
Evening: Return to Houston for a final dinner at Brennan’s of Houston, a local favorite for Creole cuisine, before heading back to the airport.
In just three days, you’ll get a taste of Houston’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and nearby beach vibes, making it a short but sweet visit!
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?
Many people have motivated and shaped me into the businesswoman I am today. First and foremost, the biggest shoutout goes to God for always placing me in the right time and place. Secondly, my heartfelt gratitude goes to my mother and family for being my strongest supporters. I couldn’t achieve anything without my family and friends as my support system. Special thanks to @eightrayagency for giving me the opportunity to experiment and learn through PR work, and to 247 for allowing me to pursue my writing dreams and providing a platform to expand my reach. Lastly, a shoutout to myself for believing in my abilities and doing all that I can to succeed.
Website: https://vivalajayla.wordpress.com/
Image Credits
@vivalajayla
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
