We were lucky to catch up with Shayla Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shayla , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
After high school, I had a moment that really changed how I saw myself. I was dancing at a studio, part of a team I worked hard to be on. My parents supported me and believed in what I was doing, and one day after rehearsal I asked the teacher for feedback. They told me I “looked too much like myself.” I do not know exactly how they meant it, but that comment flipped a switch in me. Instead of trying to change or fit in, I decided to dive deeper into who I was, to understand and embrace me as I am. That moment planted the seed for my self-esteem because I realized that looking and moving like myself was not a problem, it was a gift.
From there, I started asking what I liked, what I believed in, and what communities truly reflected that. That is how I found the freestyle and club dance world. Those spaces were full of individuality, creativity, and freedom. Everyone was expressing themselves in their own way, and that helped me feel seen and valued.
Of course, my self-esteem has had ups and downs. Before having my son, I went through a really low point where I lost touch with what I wanted and started focusing more on other people instead of myself. But my family reminded me of my worth. Seeing how we show up for one another, even through the messy parts, helped me remember that I was enough, not for what I accomplished but simply for who I am.
I started building my confidence earlier, around eighth or ninth grade when I began teaching. That is when I realized how naturally I could connect with people through movement and words. I noticed how the way I explained things really clicked for others, and that made me want to keep learning so I could keep giving. I have always believed that if I am going to teach, I also have to stay a student. That mindset gave me a deep trust in myself, knowing that I could grow and help others grow too.
When it came to performing, it was like something inside me unlocked. Every time I hit the stage, a whole different version of me came alive. I would look back at videos and, even if I saw things to improve, I could see how alive I looked, how bright my eyes were, and how happy I seemed. That is when I knew I was not just doing this for skill, I was doing it because it is who I am.
One of the biggest tests of my confidence came when I was pregnant with my son. My doctors told me to prepare to stop dancing and teaching, and for a moment I almost accepted that. But something in me said, “Listen to your own body first.” So I did. I kept moving, trusting myself, and I was dancing the day before I gave birth. That experience taught me that confidence is not about ignoring fear; it is about trusting your instincts over the noise.
Teaching, performing, and being part of community spaces have all strengthened that trust. I have met so many women who share similar stories; some let fear hold them back, and others kept pushing through. Seeing both sides reminds me to keep moving my way. My confidence today comes from doing what works for me. I am not someone who drills movement until exhaustion. I move, I explore, I listen to my body, and I trust that whatever comes out is right for that moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Shayla “Lashay” Martin, and I am a multi-dimensional artist, educator, and mother. Dance and movement have always been my way of storytelling and connecting with others, helping people understand their bodies, emotions, and power.
Professionally, I am multi-faceted. I perform in theater productions and live shows across Houston, including at the Hobby Center, travel nationally to teach workshops and classes, work with colleges and universities, and support artists through artist development. I also guide students on a weekly and monthly basis through private and community sessions, host parties that bring people together through dance and culture, and am part of Bgirl City, a women-led organization that uplifts and supports women in hip-hop and street culture. I am also the founder of That One Waack Group, the first Waacking group in Texas, and I teach and create through Femme Fusion, which focuses on building confidence, self-expression, and connection through movement.
What excites me most about my work is how transformative it is. It’s not just about performance or technique — it’s about creating spaces where people can be fully themselves, bridging freestyle and choreography to move with both freedom and intention. Being a mother has deepened my perspective, teaching me patience, purpose, and the importance of carving out spaces for others to express and evolve.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-awareness and authenticity, teaching and communication, and resilience paired with trust in my own process. Learning to really understand and embrace who I am, while also developing the ability to guide and connect with others, has been central to my growth.
The biggest piece of advice I would give to anyone early in their journey is to trust yourself first. It’s easy to feel like you need constant direction or guidance from others to get to where you want to be, but in reality, you can start with your own instincts. Even if you don’t know exactly the way to do it, trusting yourself from the beginning opens the path to growth, creativity, and confidence.
Above all, put in the work. Success and progress are a direct reflection of the effort you decide to put in. The energy, focus, and consistency you invest in yourself and your craft are what ultimately determine the results you’ll see.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, my biggest challenge is balancing life as a single mom while fully betting on myself professionally. Financially, it’s not always easy, and with the economy and changes to government support, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Even though I’m fortunate to have support, I want to build my independence and pursue my passions on my own terms.
To navigate this, I focus on doing what I love and staying true to myself. Even when things feel stressful, performing, teaching, and creating allow me to breathe life into my life and come home feeling fulfilled. I also remind myself that I have the skills, experience, and knowledge I need, and I’m not afraid to reach out to people, make connections, and ask for opportunities. Prioritizing my energy, leaning on my support system, and trusting in my own process helps me keep moving forward. Finding joy and purpose in my work, even amidst challenges, is something I find truly beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lashayartist
- Instagram: https://linktr.ee/lashayartist
Image Credits
@artbyfarahmithani
@jtaylorstudios
@713photofocus
@hqdallas
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