We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Khai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I used to think of work life balance as working hard to play hard, before I realized this way of thinking quickly became an unfulfilling, viscous cycle of life, or what some might call a “rat race.” After many years of trial and error, I now try my best to gauge a sense of work-life balance by starting with my state of mind when I’m doing what I’m doing on the average day. If I catch myself feeling stressed or anxious, I take a breather or switch gears to do something fun or relaxing. I don’t work a regular 9-5 anymore, so when I’m off the metaphorical clock to wind down and I find myself still thinking about work, I have to set a mental boundary to focus on anything but that. As an artist, this balance is a bit trickier. When I have a desire or urge to work, I also need to know when to stop my “fun” time to let my creative juices out and be done with it. Basically, when the two worlds of work and my personal life start to collide, I check in with my mental state and make sure I’m doing everything from a place of peace and rest, and not from a place of negativity. For me, I can only get to that place with the help of God and believing that I can only try my best while staying balanced in every way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

As a Dancer, Dance Teacher, Movement Therapist, and now heading a startup mobile app for Entertainers (get to the app page on my LinkTree and you can show my “notify me” link some love for when it launches), I think what sets me apart from others is my desire to encourage and empower people to live by faith and not by sight. There are too many amazing, gifted people in this city who don’t get the honor, respect, and opportunities they deserve. That’s why I especially appreciate companies like VoyageLA that can share similar sentiments in raising people up who may not have gotten a chance otherwise.
The music I choose to work with and work to also helps. When the music is different, the ideas and movement are different, and the whole vibe is different. Some days I’ll feel like listening to mainstream music, but most days I gravitate towards music that most people don’t know–music that requires some digging in my sound libraries. When I find the right song, then I can be inspired to create something that I haven’t done before and even coordinate my outfit accordingly (when there’s time). The beauty of freestyle dance is that every single moment is unique and can never be duplicated. I mean, it can, if you remember what you did and turn the same movement into choreography, but the feeling in spontaneity behind it can’t be duplicated.

 

I am most excited about a video I shot where I really stretched myself to not plan a thing. The only plan I did make was with a videographer to shoot this video on a certain day, but I intentionally waited until last minute to decide what I was going to wear, how I was going to do my hair and makeup, and even the songs I was going to move to. I was just happy that I could throw something together like that without panicking and feeling like a total mess.

How I got to where I am today professionally is that I did nothing but love dance and all things related. I got discouraged, cried, maybe threw a fit here and there, and leaned on God, not knowing if I’d ever dance professionally or do anything of importance with my life. It’s been challenging, terrifying, humbling, yet rewarding, though me and my career are still a work in progress. There were many people in my life who didn’t believe in me, tried to persuade me to take “safe” career routes, or discouraged me altogether. Looking back, I can see that most people tried to help me in their own ways. I even had one person tell me that dance is not my career and that it’s just a hobby. I can’t take credit for much, if any, success in my life because God was and will always be my biggest cheerleader. There were countless times I made my mind to give up, and He would send life-changing encouragements and guidance my way.

I’ve learned many lessons along the way in regards to movement, education, business, and people, but the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that if God is for you, no one can be against you. This also applies to all the dreams and desires of your heart. If God is for your dreams and desires, no situation and no man can be against them. As much as I wanted to, He wouldn’t let me quit on myself, because deep down I wanted to pursue my passions fully, and they became the things that I used to heal, grow, and build myself up through. Now, by His grace and guidance, I get to help others do the same.

The thing I want the world to know about my brand is that the sole purpose behind all the things I do is to teach people to be rooted and grow in the love of God through the expression of music, movement, and art in all its forms. God is an artist Himself and He made artists to create joy in the world. He has plans to prosper you, and as He does for me He can do for you, and even greater.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place we’d stop for a quick bite is Prince Street Pizza in WeHo for their pizza squares. If you haven’t been, it’s amazing. Other restaurants/drink spots I’d take friends to would be: Summer Rolls in Temple City (for spring rolls), Newport Seafood in San Gabriel (for lobster and french beef), North Italia in El Segundo (for strozzapreti and bolognese), EMC in Koreatown (for all things seafood and happy hour), and Cha Bei Bei in Mid-Wilshire (for the best boba you’ll ever have).

As for spots to visit and hang out, my go-to would be music spots for every night of the week (pre-pandemic). I’d make recommendations depending on the type of music that friend is in the mood for, but my favorites include the Jazz Night at the W Hotel in Hollywood on Sunday’s, R&B Nights at Rhythm Room in Downtown, the Top Shelf Brass Band at Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood, and Utopia at Leimert Park on Saturdays (for Afro/Soul/House mixes and dancing freely under the stars). As for day activities, there is always something to do in LA, whether it’d be tracking down a sample sale or hitting the RnB yoga events on rooftops, I’m sure I’d find one of those things to take a friend to and make a friend at.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people who have supported me throughout my journey, and I know I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without their love and support. I’d love to give a shout out to my friends, siblings, dance teachers, therapist, pastor, and in particular my friend Hiroko, for all the time, effort, and sacrifice she’s given in walking with me over the years that I’ve known her. She’s been of immense help to me through all the ups and downs of my life, and through my faith journey in those times. I thank God for her, for all the people who have touched and changed my life deeply, and for God Himself for sustaining me and connecting me with all the extensions of Him.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/jacksofallstyle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talenttribela/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-khai-9b14095/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ja2kattack

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCoJKb8-QH-k19GEpjapnA?view_as=subscriber

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