KAYLA CARDONA’S FAITH JOURNEY
From Hollywood glitz and glamour and all it has to offer, to the void at the end of a new age spirituality search, Kayla Cardona found the answer to true peace. Not one that money can buy, but the one that is a gift from God, and it has radically transformed her life.
Although she appeared to have it all, there was a deep void that was unquenchable.
From a homeless single teen mom to a life in the spotlight, her story is one of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the power of faith. In September 2023, she joined with the community at Ocean’s Church, a place that would eventually become an important part of her faith journey.
With a heart full of joy she shares this powerful transformation of herself that has transpired over these past few years. Now she is proud to say that first she is a child of God, and then comes the other position of influence she gets to steward with grace: reality TV star and luxury realtor, certified life coach, speaker, and media host.
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE GROWING UP?
Kayla Cardona: Growing up was very challenging and very difficult. I had two separate households. I never had a relationship with God. I felt abandoned, didn’t feel heard, and had a lot of pain and confusion. At the age of 17, I got pregnant. At the time, abortion was not an option, but I needed to make a choice to either keep my son or not.
HOW DID THAT MOMENT SHAPE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE?
Kayla Cardona: I didn’t know it back then, but now I do—it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me and saying that I needed to keep him. I don’t remember much, but I remember my parents driving me to the shelter and signing me in, and I was there. I had Jordan in the shelter. I found myself sleeping in my car for a few days with him as a baby. I had multiple jobs, just trying to make ends meet.
WHEN DID THINGS BEGIN TO SHIFT FOR YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
Kayla Cardona: Things started looking up for me when I went to beauty school and became a cosmetologist. I was in that industry for 10 years. Then I got into real estate, got my license, and one thing led to another. That’s really when I started seeing money I had never seen before. My life took a turn, and not far into real estate, that’s when Netflix reached out. Some of you might recognize me from the show Selling the OC. That’s when my career skyrocketed, and I had everything. But I still felt disconnected, and I didn’t know what it was. I thought, why do I have everything in front of me? Anything I want, I could have. Why do I still feel lost?
DURING THAT SEASON, WHAT WERE YOU SEARCHING FOR SPIRITUALLY?
Kayla Cardona: Being in the TV reality world, it’s very normal to see psychics for fun, get palm readings, have crystals, and all those things. So I got even deeper into that. I feel like that’s when God really interceded and was like, absolutely not.
God started bringing mentors into my life who were Christians and pastors, and I was led to being delivered. I was still struggling with, do I really believe in God? It wasn’t until I was in that room getting delivered. The things I felt and heard—there was no denying in that moment that Jesus is so real.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FAITH JOURNEY AND WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Kayla Cardona: I became even more curious and more hungry. I found Ocean’s Church. I was nonstop crying. I didn’t understand why, but I stayed curious.
Then in August 2024, I went on a mission trip to the Philippines, and that’s when everything changed for me. I saw so many miracles I had never seen before, and I was led to get baptized. I never understood the significance of baptism until that trip. My old self was gone, and it was such a profound moment for me.
Five weeks later, at the live recording, I was fully baptized by the Holy Spirit, and that experience shed any spirit of unbelief completely off of me. I have been on fire for Jesus ever since.
Now I run a weekly Bible study thatI am so passionate about, and I am trying to use every platform and position I have to serve Jesus.
Interview from Oceans Church
My Story Episode 263 (Testimonial)
Photo Credit: Bella Bates
