We were lucky to catch up with Tatyana Barlow recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tatyana, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
I love this question! So my business is Voneiric. Oneiric means “of relating to dreams or in a dream state”. I wanted my business title to involve a word that was related to dreams or dreaming, because me finally deciding to make a business surrounding my dancing was an act of me finally betting on myself and following my dream. Plus it also fits my theme of dreamy flowy pole dancing. I needed a word that was unique (because dreamlike words are very popular in the pole community, so I had to do some digging) and finally found one that works.
I also wanted the name to involve a “V” or something with that in there, because my dogs name was Venus (which starts with a “V” of course) and she played a very significant role in my life. She still means everything to me. We grew up together and she was with me through so many life stages. She is also the reason this business colors include purple as the main color, because purple was her color. So once I finally landed on the word Oneiric, I was able to combine it to make a unique name, because I also wanted a name that no other business had. Something where when I type it into google, nothing else comes up especially in the pole community. The name is very special to me; I really like it
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About me: I’m a woman who has been in love with dance since I entered the womb. Not since I got out the womb, since I entered, because I bet I was dancing in there too. Dancing has been my passion forEVER. It’s when I feel the closest to my creator. I am enamored and entranced with the feeling of dancing to music I love. I’ve always been comfortable dancing in front of people, because I simply couldn’t help myself…and I still can’t! If music I’m vibing with is playing, my body is going to have to move, even if it’s subtle.
Outside of dance I have many other things that I love. I’m a plant mom, I love dogs (I used to have a beautiful German shepherd girlie, she was the best), I love my mom, I love science, I’m a foodie, a volleyball player (I’ve been playing since 2013), a calisthenics athlete… just to name a few :]. I’m also really into self growth, self love, and becoming the best person I can be.
Formal less interesting info: I went to school and received my bachelors and masters degrees in biology/sciences, I’m 27, and I live in Los Angeles! :]
How I got into dancing: Formally I started training pole dancing pretty much as soon as I got my own place. I decided in middle school that I was going to be a pole dancer, and I meant that. I love everything about it. It combines my love for sports and athleticism with artistic expression through dance and music (and even acting really). Its the perfect sport/activity.
What types of products/services I provide: I have multiple programs on my website that cater to different needs. I have a flexibility program for those looking to achieve their front splits safely. I have a “no pole no problem” workout program designed specifically for individuals who want to start pole dance, but want to build their strength first. It’s a body weight/calisthenics-based workout with exercises that specifically target the same muscles used in foundational pole skills, while also incorporating popular floor work commonly seen in pole dance choreography. This allows those following the program to build their strength and confidence in these moves, while also having fun. The workouts are quick 30 min exercises so it is convenient for those working full time. In addition to those offerings I also have an eBook for those looking to start their pole dance journey at home, so this program is specifically for those with a pole, ready to start the basics. There are also modifications available for those a little more experienced and ready for some advancement.
In addition to those programs, where I really shine is in my performance. I love to be able to perform and provide a service where clients are able to book me for events such as corporate parties, festivals, theater/live art shows, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, weddings, bridal showers, art shows, etc. The options are endless! The style of pole dance I do and what I wear is very dependent on the type of event. With this being said, the beauty of having my own business is that I have the ability to host and book myself in addition to those options. So a goal of Voneiric is to put on a black art event in LA, where black creatives of all types are able to come together, set up booths, and share, sell, and display their art. They could be singers, painters, crocheters, dancers like myself, poets, etc. Just a beautiful space for creativity to be shared.
What problem do I solve: I empower people to redefine what they believe is possible and show them the only thing standing in between them and what they want to achieve is their mind. I love empowering women to step into their femininity and feel confident and proud of the body they’re in. In pole you’re able to celebrate what your body CAN do instead of being focused and hard on it for what it cannot.
What sets me apart? I do what I want. I dance to whatever music I want and don’t force myself to fit into one pole aesthetic. I feel I have created my own style in the pole space (especially with my afrobeats pole dance) and will continue to put myself out there and stand firm on being my authentic self. I really do feel it’s the best way, and I believe I am carving my own path.
What am I most proud of and the main thing I want people to know about my work? In terms of products? I’m most proud of my “No Pole No Problem” program. I put a lot into that and I’m extremely happy with the result. In terms of myself? My ability to finally stop trying to cater to what I think the “people” want to see and started dancing how I wanted and to whatever music I want to dance to. After spending quite some time on somatic healing and nervous system work, I finally got to a space where my body felt much safer just being US(me). It’s one thing to dance in front of a bunch of strangers at a party, it’s another to create a whole business and market YOURSELF in front of a bunch of people you know. Especially when they have to see the constant social media flops. But I finally stopped equating views and likes with the quality of my videos/performance. I know I’m a great dancer, and one day everyone will see. I will not over-analyze my art any longer.
The main thing I want people to know about my work is that its much deeper than it “looking nice”. For me this is a spiritual experience. Let’s just be up front here, pole dance hurts until your body/skin gets used to a new skill. Some skills can also be extremely challenging or tiring. You really enter a meditative space when you’re pole dancing. You learn to be present, you learn to sit with your body, calm your body, and grow with it. It’s so beautiful and expressive. I love the flares, the facial expressions, the extra, the drama, the stillness, the peace…all of it. I want people to feel something when I dance. I want to spark something in them the way other dancers sparked something in me.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The Untethered Soul and The 4 Agreements were very impactful in the start of my journey. These books helped me unpack a lot about myself and become the version of myself I needed to be to show up for me and create my business. I’ve known what I wanted to do since birth…literally. I just didn’t have the confidence to pursue it until about 2 years ago. Mindset and self love is everything.
I also fancy podcasts like The School of Greatness and Self Obsessed by Tam Kaur. I remember listening to that in the gym…what a time.
These are just a few of many resources I have used along my journey. I’ve consumed many podcasts, videos, and books that helped me piece myself together after leaving my first job as a high school teacher. That was such an earth shattering time. Imagine spending like 5 years working towards something you thought you’d be doing for life, getting TWO degrees to do that job, and then very quickly deciding you dont want to do it anymore and that you need to pursue dance… bro. It was hard. Leaving that job was the best decision of my life though. That and getting sisterlocs… tee hee
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Hmmm, I mean probably the situation I’m in right now. You have no clue how hard, scary, challenging, and frustrating my life is right now with this business. Just about nothing is going how I want it to, how I NEED it to, and how I feel it should be going. *sigh*, but I still push on. It’s the only choice I feel I have. I hopped from industry to industry after I left my first career… literally. I’ve worked in education, aviation, sales, hospitality, etc. Constantly trying to find something I “like enough” or “don’t mind as long as I still have some time to dance… It just doesn’t work. I wish it did truth be told. My life would be much easier if I was just okay with any of the various jobs I tried. There are so many people working those jobs that are happy you know? But I feel like at this point I gotta keep going for what I wanted to go for back in elementary. middle, high and grad school. I am a dancer. Period. And I really believe I have a great dance career ahead of me. But I mean don’t we all…
Regardless I’m proud of myself for all the decisions Ive made. I wouldn’t change a single one. Despite my life being quite literally insane, I’m at the most peace I’ve ever been…let’s hope we keep that going lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://voneiric.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voneiric?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565956019424&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@voneiric?si=tRPqC56pNgtAsNJW
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voneiric?_t=ZP-8wTG4DUk2DX&_r=1
