We were lucky to catch up with Takiyah Wallace recently and have shared our conversation below.

TaKiyah , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

“One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was stepping away from both my photography business, Some Sweet Photo, and a long career in public education to become a full-time creator. This decision came at the height of the pandemic, an uncertain time when I accepted an opportunity to work with Meta in their flagship *We the Culture* program. While it was an exciting chance to tell stories on a larger scale, it meant leaving behind the stability of teaching and pausing a photography business I’d built over years.

My first book, *The Color of Dance*, emerged from this leap, showcasing dancers of color across the U.S. Then came *Brown Girls Do Ballet*, a children’s book that shows young girls of color—and those with disabilities—that they belong in dance spaces, too. Stepping away to pursue these projects was a bold move, one that involved risk and sacrifice, but I was driven by a deep need to amplify representation in the arts.

Looking back, the risk was worth every challenge. *Brown Girls Do Ballet* received a starred review from the *School Library Journal* and was named in their ‘Celebrate Diversity Through Dance’ feature, while *The Color of Dance* has become a meaningful piece for audiences nationwide. The experience taught me the importance of trusting my vision, even in uncertain times. Now, as I return to photography, I bring a richer perspective and a renewed sense of purpose—a reminder of the power in taking risks for something greater.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m TaKiyah Wallace-McMillian, a photographer, author, and founder of Brown Girls Do Inc. My journey began in public education, where I spent many years teaching and building relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. But outside the classroom, I was developing a passion for photography and storytelling, which eventually became my main creative focus with my business, Some Sweet Photo. This work allowed me to explore and celebrate people’s stories through visuals, but I soon felt a pull to do more—to create representation in spaces where it was often missing.

That mission led me to found Brown Girls Do Ballet, an organization that started as a photography project and grew into a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young dancers of color and giving them visibility in ballet and the performing arts. We now provide a range of programs—from mentorship to community partnerships, and media projects that spotlight dancers of color. My books, The Color of Dance and Brown Girls Do Ballet, further amplify this mission. The Color of Dance celebrates the diversity of dancers across the country, and Brown Girls Do Ballet is a children’s book designed to show young girls of color, including those with disabilities, that they belong in dance spaces.

I’ve also had the privilege of working as a creator in Meta’s We the Culture program, where I’ve produced content that dives into the experiences and stories of underrepresented communities. This opportunity broadened my reach and allowed me to engage audiences who value diversity and empowerment.

As a photographer, I’m now back to offering portraits and lifestyle sessions. My goal is to create a welcoming space for clients to feel seen and valued. I also offer small nonprofit consulting, where I share my experience in scaling projects and navigating the challenges that nonprofits face.

What sets my work apart is the intentional focus on representation and authenticity. I’m most proud of how my projects give voice and visibility to people who haven’t always seen themselves in certain spaces—whether in dance, books, or media. I hope to inspire others to recognize the beauty of diversity and the power of storytelling. For those who connect with my work, I want them to know that it’s built on purpose, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is creating work that truly resonates with people, especially those who may not often see themselves reflected in mainstream media or art. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about capturing a moment, telling a story, or producing a piece that makes someone feel seen and valued. Knowing that my work can spark inspiration, confidence, or a sense of belonging in someone—especially in young girls of color who may be navigating spaces where they’re underrepresented—is what drives me.

Through photography and storytelling, I get to contribute to a bigger picture, one where diversity isn’t just acknowledged but celebrated. Seeing the impact firsthand—whether it’s a young girl excited to pick up Brown Girls Do Ballet and find characters who look like her, or a family cherishing a photo where they feel truly represented—is the greatest reward. It reminds me that creativity isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating connection and empowering others.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To truly support artists and build a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to recognize the immense value that creatives bring, not just culturally but also economically and socially. One key way to do this is by investing in arts education and creating accessible spaces for people to explore their creativity from a young age. Schools, after-school programs, and community centers can all play a role in nurturing creative talent and showing young people that the arts are a valid and valuable path.

Another essential step is to provide more funding and grants for artists, especially those from marginalized communities who may face additional barriers to entry in creative fields. When artists can access financial support, they’re empowered to experiment, push boundaries, and create work that reflects diverse perspectives. Businesses, brands, and philanthropic organizations can also support artists by partnering with them on projects that align with their missions, which provides exposure and resources while also bringing new creative ideas to these organizations.

Finally, society needs to uplift the arts by ensuring fair pay and recognition for creatives. Valuing creative work means compensating it as we would in any other industry, and understanding that the time, skill, and vision artists bring are essential to building a well-rounded, vibrant society. When we champion artists, we’re championing innovation, empathy, and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.somesweetphoto.com , wwww.browngirlsdoballet.com
• Instagram: @somesweetphoto @browngirlsdoballet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/browngirlsdoballet
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brown-girls-do-inc/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/browngirlballet
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownGirlsDoBallet

Image Credits

DFinney Photo (2) Images
TaKiyah Wallace (Some Sweet Photo) all other images