We recently connected with Yaminah Legohn and have shared our conversation below.

Yaminah, appreciate you joining us today. Are you 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?

For over a decade, I’ve sustained a full-time living through my creative pursuits. Alongside my primary endeavors, I’ve also explored side hustles, firmly believing that financial stability as an artist often requires multiple income streams.

Achieving a full-time income solely through dance is a significant accomplishment in the world of dance artists. Our passion lies in dance, and we aspire to dedicate our time to this art form.

Throughout my two-decade career as an artist and entertainer, I’ve honed my skills to diversify my creative ventures. Today, my livelihood is supported by various facets of my creativity, including dance, choreography, creative direction, education, content creation, visual arts, digital design, business consulting and communications. This multifaceted approach has enabled me to not only sustain but thrive in my artistic journey.

Yaminah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my journey with your readers. I’m deeply grateful for your time and interest in getting to know me and my craft.

I wear many hats in the world of entertainment – I’m a professional choreographer, dancer, producer, media host, educator, and entrepreneur. With over two decades of experience in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, including Pharrell, Shakira, Sean Paul, and many more. My work has taken me to prominent platforms such as Disney, The Stephen Colbert Show, BET, and MTV.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, my journey began as a young professional dancer in the heart of Hollywood.
Over time, I honed my skills and discovered my identity as an artist and entertainer. It was the iconic Janet Jackson who inspired me to pursue a career as a professional backup dancer and choreographer for some of the industry’s brightest stars.

The path to success had its share of challenges. I initially faced rejection when auditioning for dance agencies during my college years. However, my determination paid off when I eventually secured a contract with one of Los Angeles’ top dance agencies, catapulting me into the entertainment world.

Subsequently, I relocated to San Francisco, where I juggled academics with performances, touring with Tony Toni Toné, and ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Dance from San Francisco State University.

Returning to Los Angeles, I continued to build my career, working with renowned artists such as Lil Wayne, Jamie Foxx, N.E.R.D, Busta Rhymes and more.

Living in New York fueled my determination to make a name for myself. I had the privilege of working alongside dance legends and artists from around the world, allowing me to express my artistic abilities fully.

Upon my return to Los Angeles, I expanded my repertoire to offer services in dance, business consulting, digital marketing & social media strategy, content creation, art & designs, hosting, and artist development. I’m dedicated to helping my clients build their brands and businesses, offering digital products to empower individuals to create multiple streams of income and leverage their skills for success.

Throughout my two-decade career, I’ve had the honor of being interviewed by esteemed media platforms and magazines like Dance Spirit Magazine, Dance Mogul Magazine, Voyage Magazine, Young Boss Media, and more. Drawing from my media experience, I launched Legohn TV™ in 2021, where I interview artists, business owners, and community activists to share their stories and promote their brands.

My proudest achievement is my unwavering commitment to my craft. In the face of numerous ‘No’s,’ I discovered the power of resilience and refused to let anyone deter me from pursuing my passion and ambition. I’ve learned that setbacks are opportunities in disguise, and they only fuel my determination to shine brighter.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most gratifying aspects of being a creative artist is the freedom to express my true, authentic self and embrace my unique voice. I cherish the ability to constantly evolve and adapt to the ever-changing times.

My art and authenticity are intrinsic to who I am, and no matter how others may try to replicate it, they could never truly be Yaminah Legohn. Every artist possesses their own distinctive story and identity, making them inherently authentic and impossible to duplicate.

Another rewarding aspect is the confidence that comes from being comfortable in your own skin, embracing your art, and staying true to your authenticity. Artists serve as messengers, helping to shape the world and society’s narrative.

When you stand confidently in your true self, you have the power to reinvent yourself with the times and continue to inspire change. It’s a privilege to use our authenticity as a force for transformation.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant turning points in my career occurred when I made the decision to leave New York and return to my hometown of Los Angeles at the outset of the pandemic. While I had established a thriving career in New York, the urgent circumstances of the pandemic prompted me to prioritize being closer to my family. This homecoming also offered me the opportunity to refocus on my commercial career and expand my business to its original location.

Upon my return to Los Angeles, I encountered the challenges of a city under lockdown, making it difficult to connect with people and engage in traditional avenues of work. Over the course of the past three years, I shifted my focus toward media and hosting. Through my company, Art Of Legohn, LLC, I launched Legohn TV™, where I’ve had the privilege to interview industry artists and business owners.

The pandemic had impacted my ability to perform and teach workshops as extensively as I had before, so I leveraged my other skills and experiences to connect with people in new ways. My dedication to Legohn TV™ has led to interviews with notable figures such as celebrity choreographer Chuck Maldonado, “P Valley’s,” Assistant Choreographer and body double, Ezama Lo’i, Dancehall Queen LA®, and many others.

I’ve also had the opportunity to host live events, including fashion shows and LA’s Choreographer’s “Carnival” Ball’s Anniversary. While this pivotal moment brought its share of challenges, it also opened new doors for me to express my art and thrive in the world of entertainment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yaminahlegohn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaminahlegohn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaminahl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaminah-legohn/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yaminahlegohn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yaminahlegohn
• Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@empressyaminah Legohn TV™- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxJsEZZsjnbTZ1_n8G3fjzYb68GzT1nRa Yaminah Legohn Art & Designs- https://ylegohndesigns.com/ Art Of Legohn Website- https://www.artoflegohn.com/ Art Of Legohn IG- https://www.instagram.com/artoflegohn/

Image Credits
Photographer @quainphoto Photographer @1jaestorm Photography Creative Direction @yaminahlegohn @apollosadeek Location @hausofghettostiletto @studiotwoonesix @dancephreakz Guests in Photos @chuckmaldonado @ezamathemovementartist @apollosadeek @tameauh