Hi, I’m Kayla. The founder of Dope Intentions. I’m happy you’re here. Here’s a little about me, if you’re curious—

My journey from surviving to thriving is the essence of everything I do today. I didn’t just read about transformation or take a course to learn how to guide others—I lived it, step by painful step. My credibility comes from firsthand experience and the hard-won lessons that came from navigating chaos and grief, all while finding my own way to healing and empowerment.

I grew up in a household drenched in instability, neglect, and trauma. My mother struggled with addiction and mental illness, while my father’s absence left me shouldering responsibilities far beyond my years having to look after not only myself, but my younger brother. At just 14, I faced the devastating loss of my mother to suicide, a moment that shattered my world and left me grasping for answers in the darkness.

But even then, hope burned quietly within me. By 16, I was working my first job at Walgreens, earned my driver’s license, and began envisioning of a life on my own terms. I started drinking and smoking at 14 after my mother’s death and explored drugs by 20, searching for ways to make sense of the pain. I’ve been in and out of several abusive relationships, each one reflecting unresolved patterns from my childhood. Yet, no matter how dark it got, I’ve always been resilient. I never, ever give up on myself. Each time I survive, I use it as fuel to upgrade my life, and I do so every single time.

I share this level of vulnerability and transparency with you not as a way to seek empathy, but to show you you’re not alone and that this sh*t is not impossible. No one is an anomaly. You are not a victim of the universe—perhaps only a victim of indoctrination.

I pursued psychology at the University of Cincinnati, fueled by a need to make sense of the patterns of human behavior I’d been hyper-aware of my entire life. While working at MAC Cosmetics and Dior makeup counters to support myself, I found a passion for helping others feel confident in their own skin. This wasn’t just makeup—it was empowerment, and it spoke to a deeper purpose that has stuck with me to this day.

After completing my psychology degree in 2018, I went on to study cosmetology at Aveda Frederic’s Institute, graduating in 2020. While in school, I was so broke that I would eat a $3 chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A with a large iced water every single day. It was humbling but ironically was the better years of my 20s mentally, as I was exploring myself through psychedelics and doing sh*t my way for the first time in my life.

When COVID hit, the makeup industry froze. I pivoted to the service industry, where I learned sh*t that no accredited university could have possibly taught me. I learned emotional regulation.

I embraced authentic self mastery: the ability to remain true to yourself—your values, personality, and beliefs—regardless of external circumstances or the people you're engaging with, while still effectively achieving your goals or fostering meaningful connections.

I learned the art of personalized communication. These experiences went beyond just serving tables and pouring liquor; they became a training ground for understanding humanity and building trust in my own journey.

In 2022, I moved to Tampa, Florida, determined to start fresh. Tampa’s service industry was hit hard by the recession due to a surge in relocations being the number one moved-to city at the time. During the onset of hurricane season, amid this chaos, I found my wake-up call. On my 25th birthday, while young and turnt in a club somewhere in Ybor City, I thought, “What the f*** am I doing?”

Within the next week, I withdrew $2,000 from my savings and made a commitment to myself: “You can take the month off, but you’re going to work on this f***ing book.”

And so, I did. I wrote relentlessly, starting at 7 AM most days and continuing until 7 PM. I found myself eating my $3 chicken sandwiches again, a full-circle moment that reminded me of how far I’d come. By the end of that month, my book was in full motion. I found another serving job and worked while continuing to write, staying sober and laser-focused on my goal.

Writing has always been my anchor. Raised by a family who documented their thoughts into notebooks, I adopted the same practice early on. Throughout my fast lifestyle consisting of travel, partying, and self-discovery, my Notes app became my lifeline—a place to document the epiphanies and universal truths I was uncovering. it kept me grounded. Over time, these notes formed the foundation of Write This Down.

My journey has also been one of uncovering hard truths about myself. I realized that I was subconsciously engaging in connections, both platonic and romantic, that reflected my childhood because it felt familiar. Breaking those patterns wasn’t easy, but awareness was the first step. I went from being suicidal at 14 to being suicidal at 26 and overcame it both times. And I’ll do it again if I have to. Powerful things happen when you want to die and don’t. It’s all about pivoting and finding alignment within yourself.

While I’m not a licensed professional by any means, I have real-life experience in this sh*t. Every insight, every lesson in my book is something I lived through, analyzed, and transformed into a tool for others. By shifting my own perspective from victimhood to empowerment, I began to rewrite my narrative and embrace a future full of abundance. Dope Intentions is more than just a brand, it’s a method. It’s a mindset. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a movement. It teaches you how to think for yourself.

My life has always been shaped by a deep desire to help others, a subconscious drive derived from desperately wishing I could save my mom. Whether it’s a friend, a boyfriend, or a stranger at the bar, I’ve always been the one trying to uplift and guide. That’s why life coaching feels natural to me—it allows me to channel that energy professionally while my brand, Dope Intentions, expresses my larger mission of empowering others to live intentionally and authentically.

Now, I channel everything I’ve learned into helping others. My work isn’t just theoretical; it’s deeply personal. I’ve lived the struggles, felt the depths, and climbed out stronger. My purpose is to guide others in their own transformation, helping them believe in a better life by showing them it’s possible. My story isn’t just my story—it’s proof that growth and healing are real, and they start with you. You got this.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Help is available 24/7.

Disclaimer: I, Kayla Vaske, and Dope Intentions, are not licensed mental health professionals. The insights and experiences shared are based on personal journeys and are not intended to replace professional therapy or medical advice.