Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Lauriano.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I was always the girl who had a camera on her whether it was a disposable or later a digital point and shoot. When I was in Nursing school, I started doing photography as a side gig to make a little extra money until I started working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Photography has since been a complimentary and creative way for me to care for mothers and families outside of work as a nurse. I have always loved witnessing and being a part of the journey to motherhood and I feel so honored to be a part of so many birth stories over the years. Being able to hold space during the most vulnerable, life-changing and raw moments in someone’s life has been truly unforgettable and when I am not working as a nurse, photography allows me to step back and capture their journey as it unfolds. Through my work in labor and delivery, I have also been given the opportunity to hold space during the most heartbreaking times of pregnancy loss. Doing so led me to create the Wounded Womb workshop that is focused on moving through the grief with gentle yoga, supportive oils and story sharing. Being able to experience motherhood through the eyes of my patients and clients continues to give me hope while on my own journey to motherhood.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been a journey! Figuring out how to balance a nursing career with multiple business ventures was not an easy feat and is something I am continuously evaluating to make it work better for each stage of life. I have learned that setting boundaries around work has helped to prevent burnout. Most recently, I became a travel labor and delivery nurse to provide myself more time freedom throughout the year. When I am not on a nursing assignment, I get to focus on growing my photography, lifestyle and prenatal/perinatal loss yoga businesses. This time away from the hospital also allows me to focus on my own healing and wellness. Prioritizing self-care and rest is something that is necessary for a sustainable business because we can’t pour from an empty cup.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
All of the work I do creatively and professionally has a focus in motherhood. I am a Labor and Delivery nurse with over a decade of experience in low and high-risk pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. I have experienced thousands of births and no two are the same! I love educating and advocating for my patients and I am really proud of the ways in which I am able to empower my patients. I’ve been known for reading the room and being able to hold space no matter the situation. I am a Lifestyle Photographer specializing in motherhood. I love watching families grow over the years! I am a Prenatal and Perinatal loss Yoga Instructor. My practice as an instructor focus on motherhood as well and is mostly comprised of events, workshops and an ebook [The Mermaid Mamas SEA-ries] where my business partner and I spill all of our tips and tricks to prepare for and take along your journey through pregnancy, birth and postpartum! I think what sets me apart in all of these areas of work is the way I intentionally combine both my nursing and holistic experience to empower my patients/clients on their journey to/through motherhood in a way that supports their emotional and physical bodies.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having a mentor can truly help propel you in your business. I suggest investing in courses specific to growing your business by someone that aligns with your values and the direction you want to go. When you invest in your business, you are setting yourself up for success because you get to learn from an industry leader’s mistakes. When you find a mentor that you align with, it is important to allow yourself to be teachable – take notes, ask questions and soak in all the advice like a sponge! Then, the most important step, make sure to take action and implement everything you have learned! You’ve got this!
Contact Info:
- Email: hola@klasirena.com
- Website: klasirena.com, wearemermaidmamas.com
- Instagram: @kl.photography, @wounded.womb @wearemermaidmamas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K-hearts-La-Photography-89041310582
- Other: wearemermaidmamas.com
Image Credits
Photo of Kayla by Meghan Incorvaia of Rise Photo Co. All other photos by Kayla Lauriano, K.La Sirena
