A personal reflection on frustration & choosing what to do with it

Did you know that Mac Miller & Janis Joplin shared the same birthday? Two of my favorite artists, connected by January 19. A coincidence that got me thinking about what makes an artist someone’s favorite.

This question inevitably comes up as I’ve met new people over the years: Who is Kayla? We’ve known each other for 21 years. I usually say best friend, but that doesn’t do it justice. We’re family. & now, co-founders.

Exactly a year ago, I drove across the country with my dog for the holidays & asked strangers a simple question: What’s your favorite song?

Over the last couple of years, I've found that my career in tech is something I've felt somewhat embarrassed to talk about. Even in SF, you get that reaction of, "Oh, you're one of those tech people." I unpack my thoughts & philosophy around technology through the lens of my neighborhood, a place that continually inspires me.

Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay can tell you what you listened to, but they can't tell you why it mattered.

My day-to-day most of this year has been pretty unconventional. It made me wonder: what do other people make of that?

So far this month, I've gone to four shows in the Bay Area: Dijon, Joy Oladokun, Little Simz, 24kGoldn. The vibes were distinctly different for each show, but together they tell a story about what I think is working in music right now… & what isn’t.

The theme of this week was magic. I rewatched the first two Now You See Me movies, went to a magic show for a friend’s birthday, & reflected on a story of magic from a night at Old Town Ale House in Chicago.

A snapshot into my week of co-building a technical system with Claude. Both the good & the bad.

There are three influential people who have really inspired me this year. Their intersection being through the movie The Last Waltz.

Some of my favorite, imperfect concert moments I've captured over the years.

The universe spent a week screaming 'Murph' at me. So enjoy my thoughts on Jessie Murph & her music from this year

How going into a video store in Noe Valley led to me finding my new favorite movie.

How one simple phrase made its way onto my arm.

Why Mac Miller has consistently remained my favorite artist over the years.

A chess hustler in Washington Square Park in NYC taught me how to play chess.