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

Hi Kayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Journey of Faith, it wasn’t because I wanted to tell my story it was because I wanted my story to serve a greater purpose. Living with sickle cell disease has brought challenges that many people never see. I’ve experienced multiple strokes, brain surgeries, open-heart surgery, countless hospitalizations, and lifelong blood transfusions. There were moments when I questioned why I had to endure so much, but over time I realized that God wasn’t just bringing me through those experiences. He was preparing me to help others through theirs.
The thought process behind Journey of Faith was simple: I wanted people to know they are not alone. Whether someone is living with a chronic illness, caring for a loved one, struggling with grief, or simply walking through a difficult season, I wanted to create a space where they could find hope, encouragement, and practical support.
Faith has always been the foundation of my life. Journey of Faith is rooted in the belief that our circumstances do not define our purpose. Even in pain, God can bring healing, growth, and meaning. Through my book, speaking engagements, support community, podcast, and the nonprofit I’m building, my goal is to educate, advocate, and inspire. I want to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, encourage healthcare providers to better understand the patient experience, and empower individuals to become advocates for themselves and others.

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Smiling woman with braided hair wearing jewelry and a black top, sitting in a car.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is rooted in purpose. Every role I take on, whether as a sickle cell advocate, author, public speaker, podcast host, or a support group leader, is to bring hope, education, and support to individuals and families navigating chronic illness, while helping the healthcare community better understand the realities patients face.
What sets Journey of Faith apart is that it was born from lived experience. I don’t advocate from a textbook. I advocate from a hospital bed, from countless doctor’s appointments, from years of blood transfusions, and from a lifetime of learning how to persevere through pain. Every resource I create, every story I share, and every event I host comes from a place of genuine understanding and compassion.
Professionally, I also work full-time as an administrative and data analyst for a disaster relief program, where I’ve developed skills in organization, problem-solving, and serving communities during times of crisis. Those experiences have strengthened my ability to build programs, manage resources, and lead with both compassion and efficiency. They have also prepared me to grow Journey of Faith into an organization that can make a lasting impact.
I am most proud of seeing people realize they are not alone. Whether it’s someone who reads my book and feels understood for the first time, a parent who finds encouragement after hearing my story, or a patient who gains the confidence to advocate for themselves during a medical appointment, those moments remind me why this work matters. Success, to me, isn’t measured by recognition, it’s measured by lives impacted.
Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. Since childhood, I’ve lived with sickle cell disease and have survived multiple strokes, brain surgeries, open-heart surgery, and countless hospitalizations. There were seasons when my future felt uncertain, and I had to learn how to rebuild my life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Along the way, I also learned how to balance being a full-time professional, a mother, and someone pursuing a calling that often required me to keep going even when I was exhausted.
What helped me overcome those challenges was my faith in God, the support of people who believed in me, and the decision that my circumstances would not determine my purpose. I chose to see every obstacle as an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to create change. My faith gave me hope when I couldn’t see the next step, and my experiences gave me the compassion to walk alongside others facing similar battles.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that purpose is often born through adversity. Our hardest seasons can become the very thing that equips us to help someone else. I’ve also learned that advocacy is about more than raising awareness it’s about creating meaningful change through education, compassion, and action.
What I want the world to know is that Journey of Faith is more than a name it’s a movement of hope. My story is not simply about surviving sickle cell disease; it’s about discovering purpose through every challenge. I want people to know that no matter what they are facing, their story has value, their voice matters, and they have the power to make an impact.
As Journey of Faith continues to grow, my vision is to expand our reach through nonprofit services, support programs, educational initiatives, public speaking, and partnerships that improve healthcare experiences for individuals living with chronic illnesses. This is only the beginning, and I believe the greatest impact is still ahead.

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Smiling woman with braided hair in a red lace top, sitting on a pink couch.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want them to experience the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, great food, and faith because those are some of the things that bring me the most joy. Our first stop would definitely be Atlanta for lunch at Tin Lizzy’s. They have some of my favorite tacos, and it’s always a fun place to enjoy great food and good conversation. Since I love being outdoors, we’d spend a day exploring the North Georgia mountains. We’d go on a scenic hike, visit one of the beautiful waterfalls, and take in God’s incredible creation. Nature has always been a place where I find peace, so sharing that experience with someone I care about would be special. After all that adventure, we’d slow things down with a spa day. We’d enjoy facials, soak in the hot tubs, and get relaxing massages. I believe it’s important to take time to rest and recharge, especially with how busy life can be. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip would be taking my friend to Victory Church in Norcross. My faith is the foundation of my life, and being able to worship together and experience the loving community there would mean a lot to me. Throughout the week, we’d also explore local coffee shops, spend time laughing, talking, and making memories. For me, the best experiences aren’t always about packed schedules they’re about meaningful moments with the people you love.

Smiling woman in hospital bed with medical tubes and glasses, text says 'CIAO' with a heart emoji, hospital room background.

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jennifer Ross

Website: https://Www.Journeyoffaith.biz

Instagram: Journey_OfFaith1

Facebook: Journey of Faith

Youtube: Journey_OfFaith1

Other: TikTok : Journey_OfFaith1

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Person standing in a parking lot holding a sign, with a large banner in the background reading 'SICKLE CELL AWARENESS WALK'.

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