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

Hi Kylie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The key to building my online brand lies in authenticity! For many years, I attempted to mimic others’ content and adopted specific behaviors out of fear of judgment. Ultimately, what everyone seeks—whether online or face-to-face—is a sense of connection and belonging to a community. Life is incredibly beautiful, yet it can be chaotic and messy at times. I cherish the opportunity to remind my audience that they are never alone in their struggles! It was only when I started presenting my true self that new opportunities began to arise.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Believe it or not, my journey to becoming a content creator and entrepreneur wasn’t always my dream. Initially, I started my Instagram as a personal account. It wasn’t until I was a pre-med/Biology major in college that I decided to pursue a path as an influencer.

My true passion for entrepreneurship ignited during the COVID pandemic. I began collaborating with a company that I eventually left due to a misalignment with my values and morals. For nearly four years, I was with that company but made little progress. Many setbacks stemmed from limiting beliefs and the fear of judgment. When emotions drive your decisions rather than facts, it’s easy to feel stuck.

I never imagined I would partner with another direct-to-consumer company until I discovered Olive Tree People. At last, I have the opportunity to promote a product I genuinely love and believe in. When sharing a product or service, it should be something you’re excited to discuss.

Throughout the years, I have discovered that genuine freedom can only be found in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the source of my confidence, motivation, and, ultimately, my purpose.

There are no accidents or coincidences! We are consistently called to our higher purpose, even before we feel ready for it. Go for it and never look back!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have spent half of my life in San Diego, CA, and while I haven’t explored extensively, I’d like to share some of my favorite spots!

For breakfast, my top picks include:
– Katy’s Cafe in Imperial Beach
– Clayton’s in Coronado
– Breakfast burritos at El Tapatio in Imperial Beach
– Morning Glory in Little Italy
– Feast and Fareway at the Coronado Golf Course on Coronado Island

I also adore Parakeet Cafe in Coronado, which has locations throughout San Diego.

When it comes to lunch and dinner, I recommend:
– Casa Nori Sushi in Chula Vista
– Pizzeria Luigi in Imperial Beach
– Flemings in Downtown (a great choice for a special occasion)
– Most Mexican restaurants, especially Miguel’s Cocina in Coronado for fresh Tex-Mex.

We didn’t go out often, so it’s tough to say what else to recommend. However, In-N-Out is always a favorite for out-of-town visitors. Most beaches are family-friendly, but my favorite relaxing beach is Coronado.

For stunning views of the entire San Diego Bay, Point Loma is fantastic—any random street there will offer breathtaking sights as long as your car is facing south. Sunset Cliffs is another gem, providing beautiful ocean vistas!

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?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to God for always orchestrating everything for my good and for bringing my wonderful husband, Dustin, into my life. From the moment we met over seven years ago, he has been my greatest supporter and number one fan. His encouragement to pursue my dreams and passions has been unwavering, as he believed in my potential long before I did.

I also want to acknowledge my parents for instilling strong values and a solid work ethic in me. Their support has been steadfast, even during times when they didn’t necessarily agree with my choices. I will always be thankful for their love and guidance.

Lastly, I extend my appreciation to my siblings and close friends who have been there for every step of my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ky1ie.ward/

Image Credits
Anna Hunter @allgoodthingsstudios_

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