We recently had the chance to connect with Kayla Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Kayla, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For a long time, I felt a calling to lead, create community, and build spaces where women could feel seen, heard, and empowered not just in business, but in life. But if I’m being honest, I was afraid of what that would require of me. Afraid of being too “seen.” Afraid of not having it all figured out. Afraid that stepping into that level of leadership would expose every imperfection I was still working through silently.
There was a season where I operated as “Kayla Kash”, the version of me who chased success, focused on hustling, and found identity in what I could build. But God called me into a season of pruning, where He asked me to release that version of myself and embrace Kayla Nykia, my true identity, rooted in womanhood, purpose, and obedience. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it was necessary for me to step into the spaces He designed for me to lead. I had to release the version of me that performed for approval to step into the woman God designed to lead in purpose.
It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for me to step into the spaces He designed for me to lead. I had to release the version of me that performed for approval to embrace the woman God created to walk in purpose.
From there, God began calling me to create the very spaces I once wished existed, and from there came Boss Babes Who. Through this, I’ve been able to host travel retreats, lead faith-based conversations, and build a local community that goes deeper than the surface. The things I once feared, public speaking, leading tough conversations, and creating platforms for others, are now the areas where He’s stretching me most. And I’ve learned that obedience always outweighs fear. I’m no longer waiting for permission to lead; I’m embracing the assignment to be a vessel and bring others with me.
I’m no longer waiting for permission to create the spaces I wish existed. I’m building them, and I’m bringing others with me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kayla Davis, founder of Boss Babes Who, a faith-led empowerment community where women grow spiritually while building businesses, brands, and boldness. Under this umbrella, I host transformative group travel experiences around the world through Boss Babes Who Travel and create intentional events and networking experiences here in Raleigh, NC, through Boss Babes Who Connect.
I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2019 with Kash Kouture Collection, which started as a wig and hair boutique and expanded into loungewear during the pandemic, earning six figures in just six months. Today, Kash Kouture has grown into a full collection of trendy clothing and accessories that ships worldwide while also serving the RDU community with local pickup.
While business has always been a passion, I realized my true purpose was to create faith-centered spaces where women could be poured into, equipped, and empowered to lead boldly in every area of life. That’s why my focus now is on expanding Boss Babes Who into a global platform that bridges faith, business growth, and community—helping women walk in purpose and take up space unapologetically.
I’m also a proud graduate of Howard University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Health Science. Since graduating, I’ve worked across a variety of specialties in healthcare and now serve in healthcare management. After living in Washington, D.C. for six years, I recently moved back to Raleigh to continue growing my career and my businesses here at home.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For a long time, I operated in survival mode. I was the one who held everything together, carried every responsibility, and believed that if I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done. That part of me the version that was always in “hustle mode,” forcing things to stay in my life out of fear of losing them served its purpose. It got me through seasons where I had to fight to build my businesses, create opportunities, and navigate life’s challenges. But that version of me can’t go where I’m being called now.
I’ve realized that God is calling me into a season of release, alignment, and obedience, not striving. The habits, relationships, and even thought patterns I once clung to for comfort are now the very things He’s asking me to let go of. For so long, I tried to force people, places, and situations to stay because I feared what their absence would mean. But God has shown me that pruning is necessary for growth.
The hardest part has been learning to delegate, not just tasks, but the outcome. I’m learning that I don’t have to carry every piece of the vision by myself. I don’t have to be “perfect” to speak His word or lead others closer to Him. God isn’t asking me to have every scripture memorized, He’s asking me to be a vessel. That fear of not being “enough” has kept me from fully stepping into rooms I was called to lead.
So now, I’m releasing the version of me that feels the need to over-perform, to prove, and to carry it all. I’m choosing to walk in grace over grind, and obedience over control. The part of me that thought my worth was tied to how much I could carry has served its purpose but it’s time to release it, so I can lead from a place of rest, trust, and purpose. I’ve learned that when you release what’s no longer yours to carry, you finally make room for what God has been trying to give you all along.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
The truth is, I’m still learning how to turn my pain into power. For so long, I felt like I had to protect my image like I needed to show up as the version of Kayla who was strong, polished, and always had it all together. I thought that’s what leadership looked like. But what I’ve realized is that perfection disconnects you from people. It creates walls when I’m called to build bridges.
I’m now in a place where I’m unlearning that mindset. God has been teaching me that my transparency carries more power than any image I could curate. I’m learning that I don’t have to have the perfect words, the perfect scripture memorized, or the perfect plan. What I need is a willing heart to show up as I am and let Him do the rest.
Every time I choose to be vulnerable whether it’s admitting that I don’t have all the answers, or sharing the struggles that once made me feel disqualified I see how it gives others permission to breathe, to heal, and to believe that they’re enough too.
So no, I haven’t fully arrived at “using my pain as power,” but I’ve stopped pretending it doesn’t exist. I’m learning that the process itself is powerful, and there’s strength in being seen while still becoming. I’m no longer afraid of people seeing my process because my process is where the power truly lives.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building faith-centered spaces where women can grow, connect, and step boldly into their God-given purpose no matter how long it takes. For me, this isn’t just a business project; it’s an assignment. Through Boss Babes Who, I’m creating a platform that blends faith, entrepreneurial growth, and authentic community. Whether it’s through curated travel experiences, intimate networking events, or conversations that go deeper than surface-level, my mission is to build spaces I once needed for myself.
I believe that when women are poured into spiritually and equipped professionally, they become unstoppable, just as it has done for me. Without this mindset, I wouldn’t be where I am today at only 26. That belief drives everything I do.
I’m not in this to follow trends or chase quick wins. I’m committed to doing the foundational work and building real, impactful experiences that transform how women see themselves and how they show up in the world.
This journey has taught me that impact takes time. Success isn’t always loud, and true growth happens in the seasons where you stay obedient even when the spotlight isn’t on you. I’ve learned to embrace that process because I know the vision God placed in me is bigger than a timeline.
At the end of the day, I’m not building a moment I’m building a movement. And Projects like Boss Babes Who Travel and Boss Babes Who Connect, are all part of a larger vision I’m committed to building no matter how long it takes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me is one I’m still in the process of writing. I don’t just want to be remembered as a woman who built businesses, but as a woman who built spaces that changed lives. Whether through a trip, an event, or even a simple conversation, I want people to say that being connected with me made them feel seen, empowered, and reminded of who God called them to be.
I want my legacy to reflect that I showed up authentically, even when it was uncomfortable. That I didn’t wait until I had it all figured out, but chose to lead transparently so others could see the real journey, not just the highlight reel. I want people to say, “She created rooms where I felt safe to grow, to believe bigger, and to show up fully as myself.”
The truth is, I don’t always have the answers. I’ve made mistakes, faced fear, and had to surrender control more times than I can count. But I’ve learned that it’s never about being perfect; it’s about being willing. Willing to be obedient to the vision God placed in me, even when I feel stretched. Willing to build community where women don’t just dream, but actually execute. Where faith and business can walk hand-in-hand, and where leadership looks like service.
This isn’t a “someday” vision, it’s unfolding now. Every Boss Babes Who trip, every intentional conversation, every event, even every piece of clothing that helps a woman feel bold, it’s all part of the story I’m writing in real time.
And honestly, I don’t want to write it alone. My hope is that others will walk this journey with me, to grow, to believe bigger, and to create impact together. The community I’m building is for every woman who knows she’s called to more. The invitation is open. Come be part of the story as it continues to unfold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kashkouturecollection.com
- Instagram: @IamKaylaNykia
- Other: Instagram:
• @BossBabesWho + @BossBabesWhoTravel (Travel & Empowerment)
• @KashKoutureCollection (Boutique & Fashion)• @PrayandProfitCon
Coming Soon: www.bossbabeswho.com
