Layla Taige’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Layla Taige and have shared our conversation below.

Layla, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently started college, and I’ve been enjoying myself so much. I’ve been making connections, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. Another highlight has been being around like-minded creatives. I’ve always wanted to be surrounded by people who share the same passion for art as I do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Layla Taige, I’m 19, and I am a multi-hyphenate creative — a filmmaker, actress, dancer, singer, writer, and author. I see art as my language, and through each medium, I express my passion for storytelling and representation in powerful, authentic ways. I do it all and have always believed in never being boxed in. If you’re gifted in it all, you do it all. Storytelling has always been at the core of who I am, and at just 16, I wrote my debut book Define You while balancing school and working in the industry. That same year, I launched my production company, Taige Productions, determined to create my own platform. It wasn’t easy juggling everything, but my close relationship with God gave me the strength and clarity to keep pushing forward.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a quiet, shy girl with big visions. I’ve often felt underestimated or overlooked because I didn’t say much, but that quietness was never a weakness. It was where my imagination lived. Being reserved gave me space to observe the world, to notice the details and emotions others might miss, and that became the foundation of how I create.

I was the kid dancing alone in my bedroom, filling notebooks with stories, and picturing entire worlds in my head. Even when I didn’t speak it out loud, I knew I was meant to do something big. Over time, I realized my voice didn’t have to be the loudest in the room to have the greatest impact. It could come through my art, my stories, and the platforms I was building.

I also learned not to let anyone’s opinions or perceptions define me. I didn’t wait for permission to be who I was or to chase what I could do. I chose to define myself. That belief has carried me forward: that your identity and your dreams are yours to claim, no matter how the world tries to label you.

Now, I see that what once made me feel small is actually my strength. My reserved nature gave me focus, discipline, and clarity. It taught me to move with intention and build on faith, even when no one else could see the vision yet.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to rely on my faith when nothing else made sense, to lean on God, and to fully surrender it to Him. It showed me how to keep moving even when the path wasn’t clear, and how to create beauty out of brokenness. Success is often celebrated in public, but suffering happens in private, and that’s where I learned who I really was.

Through it, I discovered resilience, patience, and the strength to define myself even when the world tried to hand me labels that didn’t fit. Success gave me validation, but suffering gave me vision. Without the lessons of struggle, the wins wouldn’t carry the same weight. My art, my storytelling, and my drive are all rooted in what I learned when things weren’t easy. I carry with me the reminder that delay is not denial.

Suffering taught me how to stand, and success only confirmed that I could.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m fully committed to building my creative empire and telling stories that reshape representation, starting with my debut series Define You. I believe that young creatives, especially those who feel unseen or underestimated, deserve to see themselves reflected authentically and powerfully on screen. That mission isn’t tied to a timeline. It’s a lifelong commitment.

I wrote my book, launched my production company, and began creating the foundation for the vision I have today. I’m still in the process of developing Define You independently, building my team, sharing my journey with my audience, and ensuring every detail aligns with my vision. The work is challenging, the path isn’t always clear, and there are no shortcuts, but that’s the point.

I trust in God and Jesus, I believe in perseverance, and I focus on creating my own lane rather than waiting for permission or validation. This project and this mission aren’t about quick wins. They’re about building something enduring, something that opens doors for other young creatives, and something that leaves a lasting impact on the industry. I’ll keep committing myself to it, no matter how long it takes, because I know what it can become when I don’t compromise my vision.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy by assuming I’m no longer relatable or authentic. Some might undervalue me because they feel I don’t deserve to be where I am.

Even if people misjudge my journey, my faith and drive keep me moving forward. My legacy isn’t about fame or accolades. It’s about creating opportunities, impacting lives, and inspiring the next generation, especially those who feel unseen, to claim their space and define themselves on their own terms. What I’m building, from my brand to my series and every creative project I pour into, is bigger than any single moment of success. It’s a foundation for change, representation, and empowerment.

At the end of the day, my legacy will be remembered as a reminder that you don’t wait for permission or validation. You define yourself, stay true to your vision, and open doors while building your own lane.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fearnotatlanta.com/product/define-you-when-two-worlds-collide
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylataige?igsh=MXhrYXJ2dHdrM3B4NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@laylataige?si=rvbM6gbQmWWT5c7D
• Other: Define You Series TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@defineyouseries

  Define You Series Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defineyouseries/

Image Credits
Michael Ivory