We recently connected with Sheryland Neal and have shared our conversation below.

Sheryland , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest challenge to profitability in my industry is accessibility to quality teachers. there are so many talented dancers in the world but not all have access to thousands of dollars in flights, accommodations, and time away from work or school to train with masters where they live. And if these experts are teaching on tour, not all of the dancers have the ability to travel to a local workshop where they are. Its really a shame. A little guidance can go a long way toward building as a professional artist. Once aspiring professional dancers get the training, they start booking gigs. Once they book gigs, they can save money. Once they save enough, then they can travel and train and fully live as an artist BUT it starts with compatible accessibility to quality teachers.

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.

My name is Sheryland Neal. I am a dynamic and multifaceted creative professional whose journey blends the vibrancy of the arts with the precision of strategic communication. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Broadcast Journalism and a Master’s in Film and Digital Technology, my academic background has paved the way for my diverse career in the entertainment and digital media industries.

As a seasoned social media strategist and content creator, I’ve managed and grown online communities, ranging from social justice to international travel. My innovative approach to digital storytelling, using a mix of video content and static images, has garnered significant engagement and established me as a thought leader in cultural travel promotion.

In addition to my digital expertise, I am an accomplished artist, having competed for the prestigious title of Samba Queen of Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025. My passion for dance, music, and performance is evident with my dynamic leadership in a previous role as one of the Artistic Directors of Timbeleza, where I led a Brazilian-style percussion ensemble while also contributing to its digital presence. My work as an actress and executive editorial producer further showcases my versatility and dedication to the arts in film and television.

Currently navigating the vibrant arts scene in Brazil, I’m focused on building my reputation as an entertainer, Samba dancer, and go-to creative collaborator. I envision a future where I seamlessly merge my artistic talents with my strategic acumen, becoming a beacon of innovation in the entertainment industry.

Balancing my rigorous training in Rio-style samba with my studies in Portuguese, I’m is not just a participant in cultural events but a passionate advocate for cultural exchange. My journey is one of resilience and creativity, making me a compelling figure in any conversation about the intersection of culture, art, and digital media.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story of resilience that I hold close is my journey to compete for the title of Samba Queen of Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025. It was a pursuit filled with passion, but also one that tested me in ways I never anticipated.

After building a promising foundation as a samba dancer in the U.S., I took a leap of faith and traveled to Brazil to participate in Rio carnival, drawn by my deep love for dance and cultural exploration. But the transition wasn’t easy. I faced a whirlwind of challenges—navigating a new country’s legal system, dealing with financial constraints, and learning the lived-in nuances of a new language while adapting to a vibrant yet semi-unfamiliar culture.

Despite these hurdles, my dedication to my craft did not waver. I threw myself into the samba community, training relentlessly to prepare for the Carnival competition. My days were a blur of morning dance sessions, afternoon Portuguese lessons, and evening rehearsals. Balancing this intense schedule with my ongoing pursuit of personal growth was tough, but I knew I couldn’t let go of my dreams.

The financial strain of participating in the Rio Samba Queen competition — and by extension, living and training as a foreign dancer in Brazil — was/is very real, but I was determined not to let it hold me back. I launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover my pageant expenses, reaching out to my community and beyond. It wasn’t easy, but it was a powerful reminder of the importance of asking for support when pursuing something deeply meaningful.

This experience is a cornerstone of my journey because it embodies resilience. I learned to navigate through uncertainty and keep pushing forward, no matter the odds. Competing in the Carnival wasn’t just about the title—it was about proving to myself that asking for support is vital to success and with perseverance, I could overcome any obstacle and continue to thrive in my passion for art and culture.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to transform ideas, emotions, and experiences into something tangible that can inspire, move, and connect with others. It’s the freedom to express oneself authentically and the opportunity to impact the world through one’s unique perspective. It’s the humility to listen and learn AND use these lessons as a writer to express a more dynamic range of human experiences.

For me, the joy comes from seeing how my work resonates with people—whether it’s a performance that evokes emotion, a piece of writing that sparks thought, or a digital campaign that brings a community together. The creative process itself is incredibly fulfilling, as it allows for continuous learning, exploration, and the breaking of boundaries.

Moreover, being a creative means being part of a larger cultural conversation. It’s rewarding to know that through my art, in all my mediums, I can contribute to dialogues about identity, culture, and human experience, fostering understanding and empathy in ways that transcend language and borders. Ultimately, the most gratifying part is witnessing how creativity can inspire change and bring beauty into everyday life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sheryland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherylandn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheryland
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryland/

Image Credits

Rainha do Samba no Pé 2024, @wtflary_