Meet Kayla Leiws | Community Engagement Specialist and Program Designer

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

Hi Kayla, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Self-compassion is the most important lesson I have learned. I grew up in a hard-working black family. From an early age, I was told that I had to be better than the rest of my peers due to being a black woman. Over the course of my academic and professional career, I have sailed to great heights due to my actions that have stemmed from such a belief. Although success has accrued over time, such narratives left a deficit in the love that I showed to myself. During this past year, I have worked hard to undo harmful narratives that have propelled my previous success. Through Upward Consulting, I have learned to redefine what “success” means to me. My definition creates space for joy, journey, and self-compassion. Sometimes owning my own business feels like a never-ending self-confidence test. When I have doubts about Upward Consulting, I tell myself that I am enough, and that my version of success is more than extrinsic aspirations.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Upward Consulting is a community engagement and program design consulting firm that specializes in moving communities upward toward societal betterment through community-centered program design and implementation. Upward Consulting is inspired by my childhood. I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. During my upbringing, I experienced the power of community through what African Americans commonly refer to as black church. Through such an experience, I learned the power and strength of community-driven problem-solving.

Upward Consulting acknowledges that social change requires more than “good ideas” and “well intentions.” The actualization of social change requires planning, implementation, collaborative partnerships, and most importantly the will of the people. Upward Consulting champions the idea that we can not move upward toward societal betterment through siloed actions. True and long-lasting change requires collaboration and community support.

I established Upward Consulting LLC in November of 2023. Starting Upward Consulting was NOT easy! Filing the paperwork was surprisingly simple; however, my own self-doubt was my biggest saboteur. Upon establishing Upward Consulting, I promptly found my State’s small business resource network. Through organizations like Mainebiz and Coastal Enterprises Inc., I have cultivated my own self-confidence as a business owner. Such connections and resources have truly allowed me to overcome numerous challenges.

Since starting my own business, I have learned the power of compassion. Narratives propelled by popular mixed media portray business owners as entrepreneurial lizards. At certain networking events, those narratives may appear true! All jokes aside, each business owner is on their own distinct journey. A journey that, oftentimes, requires them to fly too close to their passions. When a business stumbles, dips, or takes a nasty turn, such roadblocks really hurt due to our care and passion. During such moments, I have learned that self-compassion is key.

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.
I am a COMMUNITY girl! My favorite community belongs to the town of Biddeford, ME. If my best friend, shout out to Aundrea Lovett, were to visit, we would explore the dueling downtowns of Saco and Biddeford, ME.

Saco and Biddeford Maine both share the iconic Saco River. The Saco River catapulted Biddeford to a bustling town during the Industrial Revolution. Today the old factory downtown has been revitalized with an amazing food and small business scene. Between the downtowns of Biddeford and Saco, patrons can partake in divine pastries and community-centered craft beer experiences.

Biddeford Saco Itinerary

Day One: Exploring Saco

Breakfast: Pastry and hot breakfast sandwiches from Fernleaf Cafe
Activity: Saco River tubing
Lunch: Salad and half sandwich from Social House Kitchen
Dinner: Pacifico Latin Cusine

Day Two: Biddeford

Breakfast: The “Biddeford” breakfast sandwich from Catface Kitchen
Activity: Bike riding on the Eastern Trail (Biddeford to Kennebunk route)
Lunch: Vegan Sandwiches and Salad from Vickie’s Vegetable Patch
Activity: Downtown Riverwalk
Dessert: Sweet Ice Cream (Da BEST!!)

Day Three: Saco & Biddeford
Breakfast: Assortment of Croissants from Edelweiss
Activity: Swimming and walking at Biddeford Pool Beach
Lunch: Barbeque at Dizzy Bird Chicken
Activity: Exploring the Saco Heath (nature preserve)
Dinner: Cooking at home with local produce from Frinklepod and New Morning Natural Food Store

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shout to my loving husband, Matt Gile, and my supportive siblings LaQuinta and Peter. Without these amazing humans, I would, most assuredly, not be where I am today.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-marie-lewis

Image Credits
Group Photo (thumbs up): Fred J. Field
Mural and thumbs up: Tim Greenway