Kayla Orlando is a writer, director, and producer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. A natural storyteller, Kayla first began writing as a form of self-expression, publishing her debut book, My Short Guide to Getting Your Shit Together, which explored personal growth and resilience. Her creative journey evolved into screenwriting and filmmaking, where she discovered a deep passion for telling authentic Black stories that reflect culture, community, and complexity. After graduating from Willoughby South High School, Kayla pursued a career in government contracting as a technical recruiter while continuing to nurture her creative pursuits.
In 2022, she relocated to Washington, D.C., where the idea for her breakout series, Welcome to Chocolate City, was born. Welcome to Chocolate City is an interactive Black drama series that has garnered over 50,000 views on YouTube. The show stands out for its unique approach—allowing the audience to shape the story by voting in the comments, with new episodes filmed based on viewer feedback. Driven by her love for Black culture and storytelling, Kayla continues to expand her creative catalog with several projects in development, including Caddy Girls in collaboration with Jabari of Mass Comm Guru Productions, Season 2 of Welcome to Chocolate City, and a new series titled 4 Love Letters. Kayla’s work is defined by authenticity, innovation, and a deep commitment to representing Black stories with heart and intention.