Kylah Johnson

Scholastic Achievement/Community Involvement: I obtained a Master of Business Administration by age 25 and began teaching at the University of Phoenix as an Adjunct Professor by age 27; teaching Finite Mathematics, Algebra I/II, and Organizational Behavior and Management. In the corporate world, I have been recognized for implementing performance improvement and training initiatives that impact client satisfaction ratings, improves scorecards, and drives efficiency. I also launched The Confidence Boutique LLC, a full service empowerment and professional development company to help women leverage their careers, build businesses and transform their lives. I love being an entrepreneur. It’s in me!

As a national speaker, I have spoken to organizations and audiences across the country on the following topics: Confidence Career, Business and Life, Branding, Venturing into Entrepreneurship, Creating a Career Plan, Resume Makeover, How to Win Your Job Interview, Career Networking, Being a Lady, Social Media and Maintaining a Positive Image.

One area of my life that will always be apart of me is community service. I am a Mentor and Personal Boutique Shopper for the local Dress for Success organization. Because I am so passionate about helping women elevate in their careers (and/or venture into entrepreneurship), this was the perfect way for me to give back and share what I have learned over the years with women who may benefit. I get to work directly with women in need of support, mentorship, inspiration and a suit for job interviews and preparation. Through The Confidence Boutique, we hosted our first Winter 2015 Suit Drive. I feel so honored to be able to present stylist and professional attire for women seeking to get back on their feet. With the help of the community and organizations to support the Suit Drive, I can proudly report that over 20 business suits, 15 pairs of shoes, handbags, briefcases, pants, skirts and much more were donated to Dress for Success this year. It has been my most gratifying experience this year!

Aside from Dress for Success, I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and I am an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded on the principles of scholarship, service and sisterhood. Through this organization, I have been able to serve as a Workshop Speaker for a Mental Health Youth Summit, Taking Pride in Eatonville Day, youth group initiatives and have served in many more community events.

Professional Organizations: So that I am connected to like-minded corporate professionals and entrepreneurs, I am a member of the following professional organizations:

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Becoming a world traveler has been one of the best decisions of my life. I love traveling to new places, experiencing new cultures and adventures! Dubai (UAE) is definitely that place that I consider at the top of the list to live in. I love the culture, the beautiful architecture and attractions, fine-tuned economy, food and shopping. I am such a family-oriented person that I would have to find a way to live there half the year and the other half, be close to my family. I absolutely adore them!

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would they be?: If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were still living, I would love to meet him. He epitomizes self-sacrifice, leadership and the importance of standing behind your dream until it becomes a reality. His famous speech, “I Have a Dream” still lives on and inspires me to help women reach their dreams everyday. I would also love to meet Oprah Winfrey! Ideally, a Spa Day with Oprah would be great (spa, lunch and sip on some hot tea). She is a billionaire businesswoman who is also one of the most affluent and powerful people in America. In 5th grade, I won a writing contest on the topic, “Oprah Winfrey – The Most Influential Women.” Since that time, she has become more influential in media, television and philanthropy across the globe (from receiving an Academy Award to being the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated TV Talk Show to building the Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa). Oprah Winfrey has a proven track record of success and a woman that turned her obstacles into opportunities.

Best advice you have been given: “Knowledge is power and your education will always remain with you.” Once an individual is knowledgeable on a topic, there’s no way to reverse that knowledge attained. I believe that becoming a professional student of learning, adopting the lifelong learning concept, and giving back to others are the core principles of success.

Who is your role model and why?I have several role models for various facets of my life. Three women come to mind: Loretta Lynch, Michelle Obama and my mother. Loretta Lynch is the first female African American Attorney General and has led one of the most important U.S. Attorney Offices in the country two times. She is tough as nails and is a trailblazer for women. Michelle Obama is smart, business savvy and has an elegant and classy style that I could write about for days. I value her voice and advocacy for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls education. Girl power unite! My mother (a dedicated wife and amazing mother) has always been my #1 role model. She taught me how to be a lady, gave me strength when I didn’t believe that I had it within, and taught me the importance of respect and authenticity. Thank you mom!

Something interesting about you: I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I started a mini-school supply business when I was in kindergarten. I had a tendency of letting my classmates borrow pencil and paper from me in class. Then one day, I realized that my supply was getting low. So I decided to sell my pencil and paper to my classmates, so that I could buy candy from the local convenience store.

Three words that describe you best: Entrepreneurial, resilient and a phoenix.

Current Read: Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action by Simon Sinek and The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.

Favorite TV Show: I actually do not get much TV time, but when I do have some free time, I enjoy watching HGTV, Law & Order, House of Cards and Naked & Afraid.

Favorite Food: I love seafood and Indian food!

Favorite Sport: Tennis – All day, all night! But when I am not on the tennis court, I love riding my motorcycle! Yep, I am a danty girly girl who loves motorcycles!