Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooklyn Janay
Hi Brooklyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where do I begin? Kalamazoo, MI birthed me! Literally! Ever since a younging, you would catch me singing and dancing everywhere. I was the kind of child who was into all things music. Musicals, Broadway, music videos, etc. I guess you can call it cliché but after every family function, my sister, cousin and I would perform “We are sisters” by the Cheetah Girls, in front of our family. I always made sure to sing the most dominant part because deep down, I knew every memorable moment fit Brooklyn.
Growing up, my love for dance grew tremendously. It always felt like second nature. I pretty much taught myself how to dance and developed the craft later down the line. I participated in every talent show in middle school, performed by myself in every pep rally in high school (btw, I believe the footage is somewhere on YouTube – HA HA). I always knew that I was different.
After school I would make my way to the living room, where I’d be able to escape reality and live the life I’ve always dreamed of. Dancing for hours with music blaring, entertaining an invisible crowd and singing my heart out to anything playing on the stereo. It was clockwork… every single day after school.
I knew I wanted to take dance serious after high so I joined a student organization at Western Michigan University by the name of ‘Redemption’. During this time, I became well rounded with all genres of dance outside of hip hop. I was challenged and later caught interest in another dance organization by the name of ‘Hip Hop Connextion’. I took all the tools and resources necessary and by the time I graduated college (2018), I knew I wanted to challenge myself even more, but on a professional level.
Saving money is necessary, so I did exactly that and saved $10,000 during 2020 and moved down to the dirty south LOL. ATL is where I submerged myself in the dance community, familiarized myself with movement and made the necessary connections with choreographers and dancers. During my time as a professional dancer in Atlanta, I was blessed with opportunity to dance during SuperBowl weekend with Diamond from Crime Mob, appear in my first music video as the Lead Girl for Fresco Kane ft. Nelly, my first hair product commercial for Kaleidoscope Hair Products, music video for 2Chainz, Moneybagg Yo, BeatKing, and land my very first tour with the incomparable Tamar Braxton.
Over the course of 4 years in Atlanta, GA, I’ve dedicated so much time to dance. Hitting so many pillars, but it’s not over. God isn’t finished with me yet. I always sang around my peers here in Atlanta, but I didn’t have the confidence to put out what I was writing… until one day I got my heart broken. I sat down in my room and began to write and that song I wrote is now playing on the radio. What is life!? – HA HA
I know that was probably a lot but my story is so powerful. I give it all to God! I hope that answers your question. LOL well the first of many – HA HA!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been struggles along this journey. I’d be lying through my teeth if I said everything has been peachy keen. Most people like to take the traditional route and play life safe. I on the other hand, like taking risks when it comes to my dream!
My biggest struggle throughout this journey has been sacrificing family time. I’m originally from Michigan. A long way from home. I’ve missed birthdays, holidays and other pivotal moments to where, if I would’ve, in a sense “put my family first”, I wouldn’t of been blessed with the opportunities that I’ve accomplished. Trust me, there have been times where plans were made and I’m cancelling literally hours before because of an audition, performance, paid opportunities that have placed me in this very moment.
Hard moments, tough decisions I’ve made but I have the biggest support system and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My name is BrooklynJanay and I am a triple threat! I’ve literally been saying that since the age of 12. I specialize in singing, dancing, voice acting, choreographing and content creating.
Honestly, in this very moment, I am most proud of staying consistent and true to who I am. In this industry, you can easily lose yourself and I think it’s most important to have a firm relationship with God to avoid that. Without Him, I am nothing and I don’t care how many times I have to pray, I am not moving forward without His consent. He is the number one source to all of the decisions I make.
I truly believe that I was put on this earth to bless others and that correlates throughout my music and my dancing. I love inspiring people. I love being a helping hand. This industry is cutthroat, and I found it best to remain close to the people who truly support what it is that I am doing and those who are honest about the music I make. I am so blessed to not have any ‘yes men’ in my circle. It is so easy to get caught in the act of comparison, and I’m not going to lie, I have found myself in those situations, but I really had to take a step back and remember that my journey is completely different than what I see on Instagram. I am an all around ball of creativity and with that comes harder work than what is given to others.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
You know, I find journaling and praying out loud to be the best act of fulfillment.
When I wake up in the morning, I journal my initial thoughts and plan out my day. Believe it or not, I find my best ideas and wholesome prayers formulating from the moment I wake.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_brooklynjanay
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@broooklynjanay?si=GOGgJ7gbIb3AH0X2
- Other: https://youtube.com/@msbrooklynjanay?si=qH06p7TlvDF5XUoI
Image Credits
@b.donphotography
@iskinnylove
