We were lucky to catch up with Kaleila Jordan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kaleila, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
My journey to mastering what I do has been quite a long and dedicated one. I’ve always had a deep passion for performance, encompassing dancing, acting, modeling, and making a positive impact on people’s lives. Throughout my path, I acquired knowledge from various schools and actively participated in diverse dance and sports programs during my formative years.
From elementary school through high school, I attended a performing arts school, which eventually led me to major in theater arts and dance in college. Along this journey, I’ve realized that effective collaboration with others is paramount to achieving success. Never underestimate the power of maintaining respect for everyone you encounter, as you never know when they might offer invaluable assistance in unexpected ways.
Admittedly, staying focused on the positive can be challenging at times because life throws its fair share of curveballs. I’ve grappled with this challenge myself, but I’ve seen significant improvements in my life as I continually work on maintaining a positive outlook.
Looking back, if I were to expedite my learning process, I might have sought out mentors or coaches who could have provided me with personalized guidance and feedback. Nevertheless, the skills I’ve gained through my journey, combined with my unwavering determination, have been the building blocks of my success. While obstacles have come my way, they’ve served as opportunities for growth and resilience, ultimately shaping me into the person I am today.
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?
Certainly, let me introduce myself and shed light on my diverse brand and what makes it unique.
I consider myself the embodiment of my brand, which has various facets. I’m a dance fitness host, offering exhilarating workouts and fitness content. In addition to that, I have a thriving career as a professional performer, excelling in acting and dancing. These aspects of my life coalesce to form a brand that’s dedicated to empowerment and inspiration.
Through my brand, I create content that resonates with individuals all around the globe. Whether it’s fitness routines, dance performances, or transition videos/insight into beauty and fashion, my content aims to uplift and motivate. My creative process revolves around authenticity—I strive to be my genuine self in everything I create. By doing so, I hope to connect with others who can relate to me or find something in my journey that resonates with them.
Throughout my life, I’ve drawn inspiration from the strong and beautiful black women I saw on TV and in movies. I aspire to be a source of inspiration in the same way for young girls who look up to me. I take immense pride in my ability to boost people’s confidence, promote healthier lifestyles, and make movement enjoyable.
My approach is all about blending fun and structure. When you engage with my content, whether it’s a workout or dance routine, you’re not only having a good time but also learning, growing, and challenging yourself alongside me. The energy and vibes I bring to my work are palpable, and I strive to create a sense of connection with every viewer.
For those interested in joining me on this journey, you can find me on YouTube at youtube.com/kaleilajordan. I also offer a 28-day Dance Fit Fusion Transformation Challenge on my website at kaleilaj.com. My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on your life, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey of growth, wellness, and empowerment with you.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
To nurture a thriving creative ecosystem and provide better support for artists and creatives, society can take several steps.
Firstly, it’s essential to challenge the misconception that creative careers are not “real jobs.” Many artists have invested substantial time, effort, and passion into honing their craft and should be recognized and compensated accordingly. Society can play a vital role in acknowledging the legitimacy of these careers.
One way to demonstrate support is by becoming allies to various movements advocating for fair compensation and rights within creative industries. For instance, initiatives like the SAG/AFTRA Strike shed light on the issues of underpayment and unfair treatment faced by actors, dancers, and other creatives. By supporting such movements, we collectively work towards rectifying these disparities.
In essence, being an ally and advocating for fair wages and better working conditions for artists and creatives can lead to meaningful progress in our society. Recognizing creative careers as valuable and vital to our cultural landscape is a significant step in fostering a thriving creative ecosystem.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered the need to relentlessly pursue my dreams and ambitions in this industry. While I was fortunate to have unwavering support from my parents, I soon realized that the real world could be a very different place. Not everyone I encountered would be a fan of my aspirations, and facing this reality can be quite challenging.
In fact, there were times when individuals tried to undermine my confidence and dismiss the validity of my feelings and instincts. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re met with skepticism and doubt, especially from those who attempt to gaslight you. However, I’ve always found my strength in a combination of love, faith, and an unyielding determination. I refuse to allow the naysayers to deter me from pursuing my passions.
In fact, their skepticism serves as a driving force for me because it fuels my desire to prove them wrong. The feeling of knowing that I can become the person I aspire to be and demonstrate it to those who once doubted me provides a potent dose of resilience. I draw from this inner well of determination, and it propels me forward, regardless of the obstacles that may come my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaleilaj.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleilaj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itskaleilaj/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaleilaJ
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kaleilajordan
- Other: Kaleila J. on Pococha: https://www.pococha.com/broadcaster-referral/users/8M20RP28/refer