Meet JaQuel Knight

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful JaQuel Knight a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

JaQuel , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

From an upbringing where I often felt like I wanted more, even when I didn’t have much, giving back has always felt important to me. Whenever I receive something, I make sure to pay it forward. That shows up in a lot of ways—being generous with my time and support, being generous with my team, and with those I consider chosen family.

Right now, we’re in the midst of restructuring the JaQuel Knight Foundation, which is my most important give-back effort. It allows me to truly connect with the next generation of artists, performers, dancers, and creatives. We’re currently developing programming that will directly reach and impact young people in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta—with plans to expand nationwide.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

JaQuel Knight—choreographer, creative director, philanthropist, and designer from Atlanta, GA. Right now, I’m most excited about all the projects my team and I are developing. We just launched Knight Haus Studio, the fashion arm of my brain. It currently houses all our merch and clothing ideas, and it’s on its way to becoming a fully functioning fashion label. It feels fresh, cool, and I’m really excited about where it’s headed. We’re focused on organically and authentically promoting athleisure wear—born from the heart of dancers.

I also can’t mention enough how excited I am about the programming coming from the JaQuel Knight Foundation. We have a clear plan to create access, build a direct pipeline into the industry for students, and establish a strong network of protections to keep their work safe.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Discipline is by far one of the most valuable skill sets I learned at a young age. It taught me how to see things through, no matter how hard or overwhelming they may feel in the moment—whether that’s chasing a goal or being on a job.

Secondly, learning music theory and how to play instruments gave me the ability to actually see the music I hear. That’s been essential in how I communicate through my body—whether it’s choreography or creative direction.

Lastly, studying graphic design taught me the power of detail. It taught me how to color in the lines, how to brainstorm, and how one word can inspire an entire visual. That whole process shaped how I tell stories today.

The most important thing I’d tell any young creative is this: set clear goals for yourself, but don’t overwhelm yourself with where you think you should be in 10 years. Start with 30 days, 6 months—even just one week. When you take it step by step, those small wins build momentum. They give you the motivation to fight for the long-term vision—and prepare you for the industry opportunities that often take time to break into.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m at a point in my journey where I’m looking for creative and business partners who are invested in building leaders for tomorrow. Thoughtful givers who want to be part of a culturally thriving moments—people who can come into the space organically and authentically, providing resources that help us cultivate the next generation of artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.knight-brand.com
• Instagram: jaquelknight
• Facebook: JaQuel Knight
• Linkedin: JaQuel Knight
• Twitter: jaquelknight
• Youtube: JaQuelKnight1

Image Credits

Darren Tolud (photo of JaQuel Knight & Megan Thee Stallion)
Darren Tolud (photo of JaQuel Knight, Queen Latifah, Ciara, Victoria Monet)
Jake Green (photo of JaQuel on bench)
Kent Nishimura (photo of JaQuel Knight giving back)
Hao Zeng (JaQuel Knight headshot)