Meet Nia Lonette | Dancer, Choreographer & Business Owner

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

Hi Nia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor to me and my success is my discipline and my community. Growing up I trained in classical dance styles that required us to train 3 hour a day for 5 days a week. We wouldn’t be able to showcase our progress or work til the end of the year. That training helped me build discipline that transferred to my many business ventures. Without discipline I don’t think I would have been able to go after my dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional dancer and choreographer living in Los Angeles California. I moved out here in 2017 to pursue my dream in the entertainment industry. I started out working as a front desk associate at a bowling alley at night so I could go to auditions in the day time. I would submit my self to casting agencies, projects and other things while I was at work just so I could get noticed by directors and casting agents. Once I booked my first music video I quit my job and just kept the momentum going. The road wasn’t easy especially during the slow in between season. I found myself running back to normal jobs to secure myself but right when I was about to apply, a dance job would come up out of no where. My most proud moment would have to be performing along side R&B artist KEM. I would listen to his music as a kid going to school with my mom. To then be able to dance a solo along side him on tour for countless years just truly a highlight in my career. Along the way I’ve learned to keep faith in my talent. Many times I would question my worth based off of a “no” or the doors that would close in my face. However I had to realize that it wasn’t a rejection but a redirection to another opportunity. I want the world to remember me and my brand as an inspiration to be your authentic self. My brands motto is “Be the moment” and I believe it’s a powerful statement because in order to be a moment that lasts life time, I believe you must be yourself. I also want the world to remember me as a trailblazer, and as a person that whenever she put her mind to something, she went out and did it with grace and encouraged the masses to go after their dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh I love this. First I would take my Bestfriend to a winery spot in Santa Barbara. Ive become a super fan not only wine but the entire winery experience. I also would plan, depending on who’s performing, to have us go to a live show. I have many friends who perform through out the week so it would be an amazing experience. I also would take them to Granville for either lunch or dinner. We of course have to take a trip to Rodeo drive to just check out the shops. One thing about me and my bestie, we love to shop! Lastly I have to take my Bestfriend to one of Californias beaches. My favorite so far has been Manhattan Beach!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man! Theres so many people I have to thank, because i definitely would not be where I am with out their guidance. First I have to thank God for everything in my life because none of this would be possible with out him. As far as my dance training and my work ethic, I definently would not be here with out the amazing teachers in the dance department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Those classes shaped me into the woman that I am today. From the long rigorous classes, to our exams on dance vocabulary, to even our long rehearsals days after school. When it comes to business I have to give a major shout out to my mentors Wyevetra Jordan, my brothers Neal & Malcolm Harris, and my parents. Any idea I’ve had big or small they have supported or gave me guidance on how to attack each obstacle. No matter what they always encouraged me, pushed me and supported me. Last but certainly not least I have to thank my friends who I truly call my family. Through every idea, every performance, and every night I cried wondering if this was meant for me they would be right by my side encouraging me and just being super amazing.

Website: https://www.themusewear.com

Instagram: @nialonette

Twitter: @nlonette

Facebook: Nia “Purpose” Lonette

Youtube: Nia Lonette

Image Credits
Photographers:

-Cayla Gray
-Simms City
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