Meet Kyla Fox, an Entrepreneur Bringing Healing to Women in Toronto

Kyla Fox is the founder of The Kyla Fox Centre, a premier eating-disorder recovery centre in Toronto. She has been a clinical therapist in the field for fifteen years and is a public speaker, writer, educator and advocate for eating disorder awareness and prevention. Her personal experiences and struggles inspired her to make a profound impact on other women and girls, and you’ll discover that she intends to keep that impact alive through her proudest accomplishments — her two daughters, Ryan Belle and Augusta Grey.

My first job ever was… Working in retail at a trendy clothing store called Lunatic Fringe when I was 14 years old. Loved it.

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… I don’t like people telling me what to do.  I wanted to make my own rules.  

Running a private business focused on mental health is… In my blood — it’s what I’ve struggled with. Opening a centre for eating disorder recovery was, therefore, a no-brainer. It’s what I know.

My proudest accomplishment is… My daughters Ryan Belle (2 years) and Augusta Grey (4 months).

My boldest move to date was… Having my girls.

I surprise people when I tell them… I’m highly anxious and anti-social. People don’t believe me.  It’s true.

My best advice to people starting out in business is… Setting a deadline and sticking to it. I said I wanted to open the Centre on my 30th birthday, that I had to do it before turning 31. I did.

My best advice from a mentor was… “Keep going”. And “make sure you pay yourself”.

My biggest setback was… Finding the right team when I opened The Centre. Finding the right fit for the work we are doing and staying true to my vision.

I overcame it by… Constantly evaluating the dynamics of my team and ensuring our goals/philosophy for healing are aligned.

Work/life balance is… Impossible. How do all you women do this?! Kudos to Sheryl Sandberg. She’s a legend.

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… I’ve been trying to read Wally Lamb’s book, ‘We Are Water’, for two years. I’m on page three. It’s collecting dust on my night table. But more seriously, my dream is to travel the world with my daughters. To interview women and their daughters cross-culturally about body image and raising girls.

I stay inspired by… Doing my yoga practice.

The future excites me because… I get to influence the next generation of women through my daughters. And I get to continue to speak louder about changing the language of eating disorders.

My next step is… Actively marketing my business. The Centre has successfully run on word of mouth for five years and I haven’t needed to do this to date. I’m excited for new eyes on the Centre!!

Do you know a successful female entrepreneur who deserves recognition? Nominate her for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards!