Meet Mekaylah Gilbert

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mekaylah Gilbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mekaylah, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Starting my company at 19 often makes me the youngest person in many rooms, and while this could easily be intimidating, I refuse to let it hold me back. I choose to see it as an incredible opportunity for growth rather than a disadvantage. Viewing things through a “glass half full” perspective, I focus on learning from those who have come before me and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. I allow my voice to be heard as well as my viewpoints and perspectives to be seen. I’m also confident that God placed me in these spaces for a purpose, and I trust in my abilities and what I bring to the table. This confidence quickly dispels any fear or intimidation and allows me to fully embrace each opportunity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Mekaylah Gilbert, co-owner of Muse Conservatory of Dance in Nashville, TN, which I’m fortunate to run alongside my mother and business partner, Tonya Gilbert. At Muse, we train dancers in over six genres, including but not limited to Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tumbling, Tap, and African dance. Known around the studio as “the taskmaster,” I focus on ensuring our studio operates seamlessly while upholding a high standard of technique and professionalism for our dancers. A special part of my job is the unique vantage point I have as the “boss.” This bird’s-eye view allows me to experience both the highs and lows of the business firsthand and to learn from each of them along the way. It’s like having exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to every moment, but these moments happen to shape my life and my passion. I’m responsible for guiding the flow within the studio and at our shows, but the in-between moments—the heart and energy—are filled by our students, staff, and Muse families, which is thrilling to witness. I’m there for the tears, nerves, injuries, and showtime frenzy, but I also get to see the joy, smiles, victories, and moments of fulfillment. There’s truly no greater feeling than connecting with the many amazing dancers and families we encounter. My students are more than clients—they are part of a community I support and help raise to be outstanding individuals as well as dancers which is why the commitment to my students doesn’t end in the studio; I make it a priority to attend their events, birthday parties, school performances, and any special moments they invite me to.

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?

The three qualities I believe have most impacted my journey are passion, discipline/faith, and creativity. My passion for achieving my dreams has always overshadowed any obstacle, making even the biggest challenges feel smaller. My faith in God and in myself provided resilience, especially when starting a business from scratch felt daunting and was often a battle of self against self. Starting my business while balancing college as a chemistry major presented its challenges, but it ultimately shaped me as both a woman and a business owner. It taught me invaluable discipline and highlighted the importance of self-care and routine early on, making me a stronger, more resilient person. Most of all, it deepened my commitment to seeing Muse succeed, showing me that I could meet adversity with a smile and push even harder toward my goals and lean on the faith I had in the process.

Creativity has been the channel through which I express my art, my emotions, and it helped me navigate the rapid growth my business experienced from ages 19 to 25. Although I wasn’t always mentally prepared for the pace of success, leaning into my creativity allowed me to express those emotions and equipped me with the tools to manage my growing responsibilities, even fostering unexpected connections with my students.

For anyone early in their journey, I would advise you to find your “why” and hold onto it tightly. Remembering who you are and why you began will keep you grounded and focused on your goal. It’s easy to lose sight of this amidst the demands of a growing business. Above all, prioritize your mental health and practice self-care because you can’t pour from an empty cup.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One challenge I’m currently facing is imposter syndrome. At first, I struggled to fully understand the concept, but after researching and having open discussions, I realized it’s something I genuinely contend with. It’s challenging because, even when I’m fully immersed in my accomplishments, self-doubt creeps in, making me feel as though my successes aren’t legitimate or deserved. Recently, I’ve also noticed that my imposter syndrome has started to manifest through burnout and overworking. This can be crippling in a role that requires a tedious schedule, attention to detail, and unwavering confidence. Although it is a current obstacle of mine, I am confident in the fact that it will not always be a challenge for me. To combat these feelings, I’ve been practicing meditation to stay grounded in facts, journaling to process my emotions, seeking support from mentors and peers, and actively celebrating my wins.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Drae Brown – The Creative Way Photography
Alisha Frierson Photography

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