Meet Kayla Selmer | Sickle Cell Advocate & Author

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

Hi Kayla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first started Journey of Faith, my goal was simply to share my lived experience, my personal journey navigating sickle cell disease and Moya-Moya, and the challenges and triumphs that shaped me. Publishing my book in November 2023 was meant to be a testimony of faith, not the beginning of a business. But once my story began reaching people, I realized its impact was far greater than I ever expected.
As readers started sharing how my journey encouraged them, I understood that my voice carried a purpose. That realization inspired me to expand beyond the book and build a platform rooted in advocacy, education, and hope. This led to the creation of Sickle Cell Sundays, a podcast where I highlight the stories of sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and medical professionals, giving them space to be heard and understood.
Along this journey, I’ve been deeply honored to speak at schools, conferences, and special events. Opportunities that allow me to bring awareness to sickle cell disease and offer hope to others walking similar paths. These experiences confirmed that what I started wasn’t just a project, it was a calling to uplift, educate, and build community.
My business grew out of faith and a desire to ensure that no one facing this disease ever feels alone. What began as my story has evolved into a mission to amplify many stories and inspire strength, awareness, and encouragement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, advocacy, and faith. I share my journey living with sickle cell disease and Moya-Moya not just to talk about my struggles, but to show others that purpose can grow from pain. What sets me apart is the transparency and courage to speak openly about a battle many people don’t fully understand. I don’t just tell my story. I use it to educate, to encourage, and to build a community for those who often feel unseen.
One of the things I’m most proud of is turning what was meant to be just a book—Journey of Faith—into a growing platform. Since publishing in November 2023, I’ve had the honor of speaking at schools, conferences, and special events, bringing awareness to sickle cell disease and offering hopeo to people of all ages. I’m also excited about my podcast, Sickle Cell Sundays, where I highlight the voices of warriors, caregivers, and medical professionals. Creating a space where others can share their truths has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Getting to where I am today was not easy. I’ve faced strokes, hospitalizations, memory loss, fear, and seasons where I questioned my purpose. But every challenge forced me to grow—in faith, in resilience, and in confidence. I overcame by refusing to give up, by trusting God’s plan, and by allowing the hardest moments of my life to shape me rather than break me.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your story is powerful—even the parts you once felt ashamed of. Everything I went through prepared me to speak boldly, write boldly, and advocate boldly. Another lesson is that impact often starts small. One book, one speech, one shared story can transform someone’s life.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: Journey of Faith is more than a title,it’s my truth. It’s a movement built on hope, awareness, and authenticity. My story is not just about sickness; it’s about survival, motherhood, purpose, and God’s grace. And my mission is to make sure every person touched by sickle cell knows that their story matters, too.

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 came to visit, I would make sure they experienced a mix of good food, good vibes, and peaceful moments around the city. To kick things off, I’d take them to Don Tello’s for karaoke night, great energy, great food, and always a fun way to loosen up and create memories.
For relaxation, we’d spend a day at one of Atlanta’s spas, unwinding with massages and enjoying some much-needed peace. I believe every trip needs a moment where you can reset, breathe, and enjoy quiet time.
I’d also plan a creative day at Piedmont Park for a sip-and-paint session while listening to music. It’s the perfect place to let your artistic side out, enjoy the scenery, and just have a calm, joyful moment with a friend.
Throughout the week, we’d explore different restaurants, visit small local shops, and go wherever the vibes take us. Atlanta is full of interesting people, hidden gems, and unique spots, so every day would be a mix of good food, laughter, and new discoveries.

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?
Absolutely, my journey would not be what it is without the support and love poured into me over the years. First and foremost, I have to give credit to God. My faith has carried me through every setback, every surgery, every blood clot, every blood transfusion, every hospitalization, every stroke, and every moment when giving up felt easier than pressing forward. Journey of Faith truly began with Him, and He continues to guide every step I take.
I also dedicate this shoutout to my family, especially my son, Kobe. He is my daily reminder of why I keep fighting, why I keep advocating, and why I choose to show up with strength and purpose. My family has supported me through the hardest seasons of sickle cell and Moya-Moya, and their love has played a major role in shaping the woman I am today.
I want to recognize the sickle cell community as well, warriors, caregivers, and medical professionals. Their resilience inspires me, their stories fuel my mission, and their courage is a big part of why I created my platform. Being trusted to share their voices through Sickle Cell Sundays is an honor I don’t take lightly.
And finally, I’m grateful for every school, conference, and organization that has invited me to speak and share my journey. The opportunity to spread awareness, educate others, and bring hope to those who may feel unseen has been life-changing. Those moments remind me that my story matters, not just for me, but for everyone who needs to hear it.
My success is not mine alone; it belongs to the people and communities who poured into me, believed in me, and helped turn my testimony into a movement of faith, awareness, and encouragement.

Website: https://Www.JourneyofFaith.biz

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