Local StoriesMay 28, 2026

Conversations with Je’Nay Byers

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Je’Nay Byers.

Hi Je’Nay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always had a passion for dancing, even before I ever stepped foot in a studio. As a child, I was full of energy— I mean you could find me in the store, at the movies or in the mall, just dancing Luckily for me, my family saw this as an opportunity to help me hone that confidence. I started taking classes, and that is where I understood the importance of seeing myself. Being put in front of a mirror for hours on end, you really begin to understand your presence and how your energy can shift a room.

I truly believe that was an invaluable experience because it shaped the woman I would become. As I took on more of what it meant to be a young lady, dance grew with me. It taught me grace, discipline, and accountability.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always been smooth. Growing up in a single-parent household, I wasn’t always sure if I would be able to continue dancing because it’s an expensive passion. My mom and grandmother always did the best they could. I was also able to build a strong community through dance, and people were always willing to lend a ride or a helping hand. That support made things easier, but I worried a lot because I never wanted to be a burden to my family.

I also struggled with not feeling good enough. This is an industry where you are constantly comparing yourself—from your weight to your flexibility, to your pointed toes. I often used those challenges as fuel to improve. Dance showed me that what you work for, you can achieve. As a little girl, this wasn’t my first thought, but the more I pushed myself, the better I became. I realized it was never a matter of whether I could be great; it was simply a matter of putting in the work.

Especially because I had family who believed in me, I didn’t want their sacrifices to be in vain. There were times when I couldn’t afford to dance, but I remembered that putting in the work could still be free. Studying my craft and learning from the people who came before me is where I found comfort.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I always say there are two sides to me: I am very business-oriented, but also a creative through and through. I can never do one without the other. I have a Master’s degree in Strategic Management, and I truly think it helps me organize my creative brain. Currently, I work in supply chain, but I am also a professional dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, creative director, and brand ambassador.

I am most known for elevating everything I touch. People contact me through my brand, The Link Up, to help take their studios, visuals, and projects to the next level. By “next level,” I mean curating a space of fearlessness where confidence can shine. I find the most joy in working with competition teams, teaching children, and hosting master classes because it brings me back to that little girl who just wanted to dance. Thus far in my career, I am most proud of being able to tour with the icon Toni Braxton. Being around greatness can only breed greatness, so I was excited just to be in that space and witness how legends operate.

I think what sets me apart is that I am selfless when it comes to being creative. I don’t just do what makes me feel good—I want every project to tell a story, touch people, or bring back nostalgia. I have also been nurturing my passion for wellness through my brand, Qrowned, where I aim to inspire people of color to recognize their greatness and take action. If my mom had not done the same for me, I don’t know where I would be.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I definitely consider myself a risk-taker. I think taking risks is necessary for growth. Being too comfortable can be dangerous. Early on in my career, I decided to stop dancing and start cheering, and that is where I became confident in tumbling and acrobatics. It wasn’t until later that I realized how much that experience expanded my catalog of movement and expression. It made me more fearless.

Now, as an adult, I have decided to move to Atlanta so I can put more pressure on myself and continue growing. I have built a great network in Chicago, but I think it’s equally important for me to continue challenging myself and remain uncomfortable until I accomplish what I’ve set out to achieve. No matter the city I am in, I am willing to travel to support brands, execute competition choreography and master classes because I understand you go where you are needed; impact cannot be confined to one city.

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