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

Hi Dayel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I never actually felt like I had a choice. Not necessarily meaning that someone or something forced me to, but when you really love to do something and value the freedom to do it, you start changing the way you look at work and you ultimately have to arrive at a decision. Pursue that joy or be pursued by the regrets of having to deny yourself of that joy every day. When you put it like that, there really is no choice. I am living joyfully (even when it gets hard and tiring) with no regrets!

My story is one of evolution and it is constantly rewriting itself. My life has been a series of events that put me in the right space at the right time with the right people. The most important factor in all of it was I was just doing me. THE WHOLE TIME. When you are in active pursuit of what you want, it will start off hard. I remember 5 years ago I was crying on my mother’s couch about not having the opportunity to do what I’m now doing on a daily basis. It constantly looked like more doors were closing than there were opening, but still I chose to pursue. It was never easy and quite frankly as I begin a journey into something new, it’s still not easy, but I live by these words: PRUNE. PREPARE. PURSUE. As you can see, I really like alliteration, but these are really important concepts in life whether it’s a personal or business venture. Prune away the self sabotaging thoughts and behaviors, prepare yourself by relentlessly learning and investing in yourself, then pursue whatever it is that you desire! Many people confuse the word pursue with chase. For me, to pursue means to put myself in a position to receive all that I know I deserve. From there, the opportunities meant for me and suited for me will come. I’ve always been the type of person that commits far more heavily to my journey than to my outcome and that’s my brand. Not as a dancer – my personal brand. I don’t have an overnight success story, I’ve never gone viral, and I don’t care for widespread fame. All I care about is people understanding that every lesson learned on the path to whatever you desire is far more valuable than reaching the destination you see and I think people are inspired by watching me live out that principle.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Believe it or not, by day I am a Biology teacher. I love it, but it’s when I leave campus that I really enter my zone. Late night rehearsals, business calls on lunch breaks, and contacting my dance moms between all of those things are commonplace. Sometimes this is what being a creative looks like! I have grown to be accepting of the schedule and actually really enjoy being this busy. I have been choreographing weddings, music videos, competition dance teams, birthday parties, classes and etc. and this all varies from season to season. Regardless of what kind of event it is, watching the visions of others, whether clients or artists, come to fruition due to my art just further adds to the joy of being open and available to my purpose. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So I ADORE eating and none of my favorite cuisines or foods are American, so Houston being the multicultural hub that it is is a massive win for my taste buds. My favorite foods are jollof rice or rice and stew (Nigerian food) from Kobams in west Houston, Pupusas (El Salvadoran food) from Mama Rosas near Harwin, or Pho (Vietnamese food) from Pho Binh by Night in China town (which for the most part is culturally Vietnamese, but I won’t go down that rabbit hole today). In general, no matter what you are seeking out, Houston has great food and luckily everywhere you go has a great vibe. You’re bound to meet great people!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am situationally, mentally, or emotionally without some great women that are also in charge of their own businesses. Stephanie Bassett of Destiny Dance Production, V Renee Shepherd of She Power LLC and VPower Fit, as well as Deborah Deleon of Boujee and Blessed have poured into me directly and inspired me indirectly through the years and now with all of us about social media doing what we love and what we do best is SO gratifying!

Instagram: @dayelb_
Twitter: @dayelb_
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9VkQW7AsOLMgWJeQeK_KA

Image Credits
Image 1 (Jump image): Don Hunter Image 2 (Photoshoot): Deborah Deleon Image 4 (Seated on Floor): Dayel B

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.