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

Hi Karla, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success, both as an educator for over 25 years and as the author of the award-winning memoir The Unvarnished Truth, is my unwavering commitment to authenticity and the pursuit of truth. Throughout my career, I have prioritized creating an environment where honesty, integrity, and genuine connection are at the forefront. This approach has allowed me to build trust and meaningful relationships with my students, colleagues, and readers.

As an educator, I have always strived to inspire my students by being a role model of continuous learning and personal growth. My dedication to staying current with educational best practices, coupled with my genuine care for each student’s unique journey, has fostered a supportive and motivating learning atmosphere. This has not only contributed to my longevity in the field but also to the success and development of countless students who have passed through my classrooms.

In writing The Unvarnished Truth and its companion workbook “Vanquishing Monsters”, my commitment to authenticity shone through as I shared my personal experiences with raw honesty and vulnerability. This candid approach resonated with readers and critics alike, earning the memoir awards and recognition. By being true to myself and my story, I connected with readers on a deep emotional level, reinforcing the importance of authenticity in all my endeavors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been fortunate to spend over 25 years as an educator, a journey that has been deeply fulfilling and transformative. What sets me apart from others in my field is my genuine love and care for all my students. I continually reinforce my belief in their abilities even when they doubt themselves. I believe I help to nurture and guide my students in all aspects of life and not just academics.

One of the highlights of my career has been the publication of my award-winning memoir, The Unvarnished Truth. This book not only reflects my personal experiences and insights but also embodies the values I hold dear—honesty, integrity, and resilience. I am incredibly proud of the impact this memoir has had on my readers, as it has sparked meaningful conversations and inspired many to embrace their own truths.

My path to where I am today has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has taught me invaluable lessons. There was a point in my life where I suffered deeply and could not find meaning or purpose in my life. My rise from that abyss has been arduous but has now served as inspiration for others..

Writing The Unvarnished Truth was another significant challenge. It required me to confront and articulate deeply personal and sometimes painful experiences. However, this process was incredibly cathartic and ultimately rewarding. It taught me the power of vulnerability and the importance of sharing one’s story to foster connection and understanding.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are manifold. I’ve discovered the importance of staying true to oneself, the value of persistence in the face of adversity, and the profound impact of genuine human connections. These lessons have not only shaped my career but have also enriched my personal life.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that they are built on a foundation of love, care and authenticity. Whether in the classroom or through my writing, my goal has always been to inspire, educate, and connect with others on a meaningful level. My journey is demonstrates the power of resilience, the importance of empathy, and the transformative potential of storytelling.

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?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I would craft an itinerary that showcases the vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic food scene of this amazing city. Here’s a week-long itinerary packed with the best places to eat, drink, visit, and hang out:

Day 1: Downtown and Centennial Park

Start with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club, known for its Southern comfort food.
: Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Follow this with a trip to the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the history of the iconic brand
Take a leisurely stroll through Centennial Olympic Park.

Day 2: Midtown and Piedmont Park

Morning: Have brunch at The Flying Biscuit Café, famous for its biscuits and Southern breakfast dishes.
Midday: Explore the High Museum of Art, : Relax or take a walk through Piedmont Park. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a peaceful escape.

Day 3: BeltLine and Ponce City Market

Morning: Grab coffee and breakfast at Revelator Coffee before heading to the Atlanta BeltLine for a walk or bike ride.
Explore Ponce City Market,

Day 4
Morning: Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Explore the area.

Day 5: Buckhead and Shopping

Start with breakfast at Egg Harbor Café, known for its healthy and hearty options.
Spend the day shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza,
Visit the Atlanta History Center to learn about the city’s past.

Day 6:
Visit the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center and explore the galleries.

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to the countless students who have walked through my classroom doors over the past 25 years. Their curiosity, resilience, and passion for learning have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. Each student has contributed to my growth as an educator, challenging me to adapt, innovate, and continually strive for excellence.

Additionally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my three brothers and friends, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been the bedrock of my journey. Their belief in my vision and their patience through the highs and lows have been invaluable.

Finally, I want to give a special shoutout to the readers of my memoir, The Unvarnished Truth. Their support, feedback, and connection to my story have been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my words have resonated and impacted others is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity.

Website: www.khylton.com, www.yes-institute.com

Instagram: @karlahylton

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karla-hylton-5a583857/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karla.hylton.5

Image Credits
Karla Hylton

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