All Glory to God, my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, for bringing me out of dark places and giving me the vision and the mission.

Brand Mission:

Welcome to my Adolessons Archive, my virtual trauma dump. Growing up as a girl, I was rarely given the opportunity to freely express myself, especially as a black girl. Society often labeled our self-expression as having an “attitude,” discouraging us from speaking our minds. Women can never be ‘too’ bold. Within my own household, expressing myself was seen as disrespectful, particularly if it contradicted an older person’s notion of respect. I was taught to tiptoe around others, fearing any form of disrespect or questioning of authority. These experiences molded me into a timid version of myself, slowly eroding my voice as I grew older. As I grappled with the trauma I had endured, I found solace in expressing my thoughts solely within the confines of my own mind. I began suppressing my emotions, and as time went on, I only remembered the painful moments—the ones that had left a negative impact on my life and self-perception. It was as if I had stored an archive of trauma from my adolescence. In grappling with these experiences, I found myself trapped in a state of perpetual adolescence, constantly reliving these moments in my mind as I grew into early adulthood. Research suggests that humans have a tendency to remember negative or traumatic experiences more vividly than positive ones. While this may be an evolutionary defense mechanism, it can also lead to psychological challenges such as depression or anxiety. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder often find themselves reliving traumatic memories, and for those who have experienced childhood trauma, it can manifest as age regression.

The purpose of the brand is to transform negative thoughts and experiences into something constructive rather than destructive. My aim is to present a voice of resilience, addressing various topics that have shaped and consumed my life during crucial developmental years. My intention was to articulate my trauma in a way that fosters empathy and understanding among all individuals.

Through captivating content, thought-provoking discussions, and community-building initiatives, the Adolessons Archive aspires to cultivate a more inclusive society that appreciates the diverse experiences of all individuals who can relate to my story. My mission is to create a platform that sheds light on the trauma suppressed by people from different generations, recognizing how all lived experiences can shape our present-day lives as well as affect those around us.

My goal was to transform my personal struggles into purpose, my purpose into power, my power into growth, and my growth into success—all while positively and productively creating content that resonates with everyone.

I firmly believe that, ultimately, we are all interconnected and that we all bear the effects of trauma in some way. With this platform, I hope to provide a sense of protection and guidance, helping us all learn to confront and address our traumas head-on.

I decided to name my blog “Adolessons Archive” as a play on the word “adolescence.” The name reflects my tendency to hold on to things that bothered me, without addressing them with others. However, I realized that this habit was doing more harm than good, leading me into a state of depression and self-doubt. It became clear that I needed to let go and move forward. Through this blog, I aim to explore the lessons I’ve learned from my past, both during my adolescence and as I continue to grow older and heal from my traumas. Every experience I’ve had has shaped me into the person I am today, and this blog serves as a way to share the adult lessons I’ve gathered from my adolescence, or as I like to call it, my “Adolessons Archive.”

I’m encouraging you to: embrace your past, heal your present, and create a brighter future.

Thank you.

xoxo, Editor – Kayla Rhodes

Inquires: Kaylarhodes.info@gmail.com ♡