Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyla Kay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kyla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

A few years ago, I was working in a stable corporate job – the kind with predictable hours, a steady pay check, and a clear career path. On paper, it was everything you’d want for security and stability. But inside, I knew something was missing. I had always loved the world of performing arts, and musical theatre had been a lifelong passion. I found myself daydreaming about creating something of my own, something that would allow kids to experience the same magic and confidence that performing had given me.
Then came the turning point. My friend and now business partner, Lannette New, and I started talking about an idea – what if we built our own musical theatre school for kids? We imagined a place where children could learn to sing, dance, and act, all while gaining teamwork skills, self-belief, and joy in performing. The more we talked, the more it became clear: I could either keep the safe job or take a leap of faith into the unknown.
Quitting my corporate role was terrifying. I was trading a guaranteed income for a dream that existed only on paper and in my heart. But I wasn’t doing it alone. I had the unwavering encouragement of my husband and the support of my family, who believed in me even when the path ahead was uncertain. That faith gave me the courage to go all in.
We launched Imagine This, and from day one, we poured countless hours into bringing our vision to life—designing and promoting classes, choreographing energetic routines, writing original scripts, and building genuine connections with families in our community.
It’s been the most challenging and rewarding risk I’ve ever taken. We’ve seen shy kids find their voice, watched friendships form on stage, and heard parents share how much their children’s confidence has grown. Financially, it was a huge gamble. Personally, it was a leap into a completely new identity. But it has paid off in ways I never could have measured in numbers alone.
That risk taught me that security isn’t just about a paycheck, it’s about creating a life and work that fills you with purpose. And every time I watch our students take their final bow, I know without question I made the right choice.

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 surrounded by music and performance—my dad is a musician and my mom a dancer—so creativity was woven into the fabric of my life. From an early age, I trained with Julie Ryan Dancers and KC’s School of Dance in Victoria, Australia, where I discovered my love for movement, storytelling, and the stage. Later, I continued my training at Dance Factory, also in Victoria, which gave me a strong technical foundation across multiple dance styles and prepared me for a career in the performing arts. At these schools, I was fortunate to be shaped by incredible teachers who nurtured my creativity and gave me the confidence to pursue performing. That foundation not only led me into a professional career in dance and musical theatre, but it also planted the seed for my passion to share the joy of theatre with the next generation.

After working for years in a stable corporate job, I took a leap of faith to follow my dream of building something that felt true to who I am. Along with my business partner, Lannette, we founded Imagine This—a theatre company that provides musical theatre education and performance opportunities for kids. Our programs bring together beloved songs from Broadway with original scripts that give every child a voice and a chance to shine. We offer classes, workshops, and performance opportunities where kids are encouraged to be themselves, discover their confidence, and build friendships in a supportive, creative community.

What sets Imagine This apart is our approach: we don’t just teach kids to sing, dance, and act—we empower them to explore their creativity, step into their uniqueness, and learn the importance of teamwork. We focus on creating a safe space where kids feel celebrated for exactly who they are, whether they’re natural performers or just beginning their journey.

I’m most proud when I see a child light up on stage for the first time, or when a shy student finds their voice through our programs. Watching kids grow—not only as performers, but as people—is what drives everything I do.

At the heart of Imagine This is the belief that theatre is more than entertainment—it’s a way to inspire confidence, connection, and imagination. For parents and families, I want them to know that their children will be welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated here. For the kids, I want them to know that the stage belongs to them, and that anything is possible when they imagine it.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I first met Lannette through the Vancouver theatre community, where we were both performing in local productions. We naturally gravitated towards each other because of our shared passion for theatre and how much we had in common. It quickly became clear that we both bring a strong mix of performance skills and organizational strengths, which made working together feel effortless. Over time, we discovered how well we complement one another—not just in creative decisions, but also in navigating stressful situations and supporting each other through the ups and downs of building something new. That combination, along with our shared vision of creating a safe, inspiring space for kids to fall in love with performing, is what sparked our partnership and brought Imagine This to life.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Our clients have really come from a mix of sources. Social media has been the biggest driver, giving us the chance to showcase our classes, share behind-the-scenes moments, and connect with families in an authentic way. On the ground, we’ve been out pounding the pavement—putting up flyers in local areas and taking part in local TV interviews to help raise awareness. Word of mouth from our returning students has also been invaluable, which reminds us that every single interaction must be a positive experience worth sharing. All of this was brand new to both Lannette and me, and it’s been such a huge teaching moment for us. One of the biggest lessons has been setting up a strong database management system so no email or message ever goes unanswered. That learning curve, along with key automations, has streamlined communication and allowed us to focus on what matters most—our students. I’m honestly amazed at how much our reach has grown in such a short period of time, and as we continue to expand, we’re committed to strengthening and growing our presence both online and in our community. We are growing by the day and it’s exciting to see where our beautiful company will be in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imaginethispresents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginethispresents?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaginethispresents`

Image Credits

Headshot – Karolina Turek