Meet Kaylah Clark | Teacher and Baker

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

Hi Kaylah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over time, priorities have shifted in my life. With this, I have had to change the way I balance the various responsibilities in my life. Rather than trying to do a million things at once, I focus on accomplishing daily and weekly small goals. Some days I have to put more effort into my job, while other days I strictly focus on my baking business. I used to beat myself up for not checking everything off my to-do list, but now I try and give myself more grace. Most importantly, I try to do at least one thing a day for myself. Balance to me is compartmentalizing, prioritizing, and making time for the things I care about (including my job, passions, friends, family, and myself!)

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a 10th-grade English teacher is a profession filled with love, sweat, and the occasional tear! I entered teaching through the program Teach for America and am grateful to serve in my hometown of Miami. As an educator, I am most proud of the relationships I’ve developed with my students and their own growth. Along with teaching, I coach volleyball and track and field and serve as the sophomore class sponsor. Of most importance, I am lucky to have a strong support system to help me on this journey. While teaching can be difficult, I look at challenges as opportunities to grow. My close friends and family have been my saving graces during tough times. I lean to them for support, and they remind me that I am more than capable of overcoming any obstacle. From this, I’ve learned the importance of having a growth mindset, and the work I do is bigger than me. When people watch me work, I hope they can feel my passion and authentic love for my community. I strive to be purposeful in everything I do.

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?
As the self-proclaimed “South Florida’s foodie and fun guru” (follow my tiktok page @kickinitwith_kay for the best spots in SoFlo), I would give them all the hidden gems in the city. There are so many delicious food spots, but I would take them to Bahamian Connection for fresh seafood, Smith& Webster for brunch, and Ice Cream heaven for some delicious desserts. While South Beach is more of the “Miami scene,” I prefer Sunny Isles and Hollywood beach for a more chilled experience. Dania Pointe and Pembroke Gardens are some of my favorite plazas for great food, shopping, and good vibes. For the night scene, we definitely would check out Da Cave Lounge, Wynwood, or Las Olas (Ft. Lauderdale). Rooftop Cinema Club, Round 1, and the Fruit and Spice Park are just a few fun things we would enjoy in the city!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to all the students I teach at Miami Carol City Senior High School! When I think about my journey, my students continue to push me to do more. While at work, they constantly ask about my baking business/other passion projects and always remind me that I can “do it all.” If I am ever feeling down, they always check in and somehow put a smile on my face. Seeing them blossom. Fortunately, I have developed meaningful relationships with many of them that expand beyond the classroom. Watching them blossom into themselves has been a highlight of this journey. The way they overcome adversity and strive for success inspires me in so many ways. I am forever grateful for all of them.

Website: https://sweets-by-kay.square.site/

Instagram: @sweets_by_kayyy

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kaylahclark

Other: Tiktok @kickinitwith_kay