We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaleigh Allen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaleigh below.

Kaleigh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I currently live in Los Angeles as a full-time creative. When I first decided that I wanted to jump into this adventure, I had to take a risk. I had to prepare myself for the financial instability, for the mental hurdles, and for the overall strength that it takes to make it in the industry. I knew the highest version of myself was at the end of this adventure, anticipating my arrival.

It all began when I sat down with my best friend for what seemed like a casual lunch on a beautiful North Hollywood day. The conversation turned serious when she simply asked me “Why don’t you have a creative shop?” followed by “I know you can make a living off of being a creative, you just have to try.” The only answer to her question I could come up with was that I held fear of not being good enough. This conversation led to a break through and I saw how much I was holding myself back. I started to see endless opportunities right there in front of me, all I needed to do was pop the bubbles floating by to access them.

Quickly after this realization, I quit my job. I opened up my energy, my schedule, and my time to letting this fully manifest for me. Once I started making space for these opportunities, the bookings started flowing in. People starting contacting me for shows and gigs, and I continued that energy forward by applying, submitting, and auditioning. At this time, I also started my own creative shop, Kismet & Frolic. The shop continues to allow space for my creativity to flourish outside of dance.

Taking the leap into a full-time creative life was hard, I had imposter syndrome towards being an artist…and still do sometimes. The most important thing to remember is your uniqueness and that it’s literally impossible for someone to do it like you. Remembering the ebb and flow of the industry is also very important, so you don’t get stuck in a rut. It’s easy to get caught up and say “I’m not doing anything” or “I’m not good enough,” but once you let go of that, you start to blossom into this creative that you’re always meant to be. I fell into this deep trust that everything happens for a reason. These opportunities wouldn’t be coming to me unless I was ready for them.

One of the keys to being a creative is patience. In my opinion, speeding things up is not necessary at all. Things come when your energy is ready to be introduced to them. Flow instead of force, and have awareness of when your energy needs redirection. Remember that you’re not meant for every company, every job, and that it’s important to be flexible as an independent contractor. It takes time to expose yourself to the right communities. Going through things slowly and letting things unravel, as they do, is where the juicy lessons come in. Once you start learning from these mistakes, that’s what propels you to excel… your experience layers on and you begin to build a more solid foundation as you go.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I grew up in a small town in North Carolina. My earliest memories include being in dance classes, doing science experiments, and building forts out of sheets and chairs. Since I can remember I have been using my imagination to live creatively. From pretending to be a “Riverdance” dancer to making portals out of my forts similar to the “Magic Tree House” books, I have always been able to tap deep into my imagination. This imagination led me to dream about a life as a performer in Los Angeles, and that dream began to manifest. I sealed my journey in North Carolina with a kiss, graduating from East Carolina University with a BFA in Dance Performance. Once I stepped foot onto the Los Angeles soil, I felt ready. With patience and determination, I have been able to support myself full time as a dancer and artist. Currently I contract work independently. I have had the opportunity to work as a dancer, performer, or model on commercials, tv shows, music videos, music festivals, live performances, choreography projects and independent media projects. During the week I work with several entertainment companies in the Los Angeles area, as well as teach with Straight Up Abilities; teaching children and adults with special needs how to dance. My favorite thing about teaching dance is the life skills that are associated with it. Not only am I teaching dance, I am also teaching how to be punctual, how to show sportsmanship, how to use dance as a means of therapy, how to meditate through movement, how to be respectful and spatially aware, and how to shine brightly with your dance ability. I love staying busy and working on several different projects at one time. I keep things zen by treating everything in the present, as a mediation. Do things intentionally, with a half smile (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh).

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The release that I get after finishing a project, a piece, a class, an event, or a show is so rewarding. This release comes from knowing that art heals on an individual level and communal level. Even if you don’t know why you’re creating, create. You never know who you are inspiring, just by putting yourself out there.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Artists/Creatives are the heart beat of our communities. They have the ability to showcase stories through snapshots that only their mind can create. Artists provide a common language for a story or an emotion, when words can be hard. In our current society, we see displays of this through street art, theater and dance shows, arts districts, live performances, murals, independent galleries, etcetera. It is vital that we continue to show up and immerse ourself in a variety of arts so that we and our children can continue to understand a dynamic of stories, cultures, beliefs, and opinions. When we pursue art with an open mind, we can slowly open doors to acceptance amongst many realms and ideals. There are so many ways that art can heal and ripple change, so long as we continue to throw pebbles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/kaleighmallen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleighmallen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kallen0898
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Brad Whitaker, Tessa Nesis, Insomniac Media, @troyacevedo