From Coma to Calling: How Kayla Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury and Discovered Her God-Given Purpose

Some stories remind you just how close heaven really is.This is one of them.In this unforgettable episode, Wendy sits down with visionary artist Kayla Masteller, founder of Velvet Rose Studios, to share the miraculous story behind her healing, her art, and her unshakeable faith. At just 20 years old, a sledding accident left Kayla with a traumatic brain injury, paralysis, a fractured face, and a coma doctors weren’t sure she would survive.But God had already heard her prayer for a second chance.Kayla takes us through the coma, the amnesia, the long months of relearning how to walk, talk, eat, and breathe — and the moment she clung to Philippians 4:13 and began experiencing supernatural healing.Today, she hand-paints every design for Velvet Rose Studios — no AI, no shortcuts — turning her testimony into shoes, journals, bags, hats, and tumblers that inspire people to walk boldly into their calling.If you’ve ever wondered whether God can redeem the impossible, this episode will breathe hope back into you.What the enemy meant to take her out… God used to lift her higher.Scriptures MentionedPhilippians 4:13Psalm 139:14Jeremiah 29:11Romans 8:28Acts 17:28Psalm 23John 10:10Isaiah 43:2Major Moments in Kayla’s StoryFeeling called to missions before collegeFailing out of school and begging God for a second chanceLast memory at a Christmas party before the accidentSledding accident → fractured skull, brain injury, paralysisEmergency surgery, tracheotomy, shunt, comaWaking with no memory and no movementSix weeks of post-traumatic amnesiaWrestling with anger, fear, and believing God was punishing herThe turning point: claiming Philippians 4:13Becoming “the evangelist” in the rehab hospitalWalking again after 3 months (a medical miracle)Returning to the college that had dismissed herTeaching English in Korea for 7 yearsMeeting her husband, who encouraged her to paint againLaunching Velvet Rose StudiosShoes becoming a symbol of walking by faithKayla’s Brand: Velvet Rose StudiosWebsite: VelvetRoseStudios.com ---- LISTENERS: use the code: AUTHENTIC at checkout get 10% offHandmade products include:Hand-painted shoesCrossbody bagsCustom journals (“Your story matters”)TumblersHatsArt-based accessoriesAll designs painted by hand — nothing AI-generatedSymbolism: shoes represent walking boldly into God’s calling, one step at a time.Trauma & Recovery Details (for listeners taking notes)Traumatic brain injuryBrain hemorrhageParalysis on left sideTracheotomyShunt placement15-day coma6-week post-traumatic amnesiaIntensive rehabilitationLearning to walk, talk, and eat againCognitive and memory recovery If you’re carrying a story or testimony and sense a quiet stirring to do something more with it, but you’re unsure what that next step should be, I’ve created a resource to help you discern that.The Story Discernment Guide is a reflective guide designed to help you pause, pray, and gain clarity around the story you’re stewarding — before you write, publish, or share it publicly.You can explore the Story Discernment Guide at storycalling.info.Your story is not an accident.You are healed.You are whole.You are called — and stewarding your story well matters.