We recently had the chance to connect with Mekaylah Gilbert and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mekaylah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that filled me with immense pride was celebrating eight years of my company, Muse, on June 7th. Reaching this milestone stirred a deep sense of honor and gratitude within me — because I know that in this industry, longevity isn’t promised. Muse is something I’ve built from the ground up, with heart, vision, and a commitment to creating something meaningful.
As we celebrated our eighth anniversary through our spring production, I found myself fully present — taking in every detail. The quiet hustle of the backstage crew, the families showing up with love, the growth of our dancers — it all felt like a reflection of how far we’ve come.
And yet, even in that moment of gratitude, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning. The journey ahead feels vast and full of promise. The excitement that rises in me when I think about the future of Muse is electric. It’s a never-ending blessing — and I’m ready for everything that’s next.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mekaylah Gilbert, co-owner and Creative Director of Muse Conservatory of Dance — a premier performance studio located in the heart of Nashville. At Muse, we provide high-quality, classical training in more than five genres, including ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and African. Our mission is to shape well-rounded dancers with strong technical foundations and a vibrant appreciation for the arts.
I’m known at the studio as the taskmaster — deeply committed to technique and excellence — but also as someone who knows how to make discipline fun. What makes Muse truly unique is the way we introduce structure and accountability to even our youngest dancers, not as something intimidating, but as something empowering. We blend our rigorous training with joy, creativity, and real-life lessons that uplift and inspire.
As we gear up to celebrate our ninth year, we’re also preparing to formally launch our new adult hub — an exciting extension of Muse that will offer adult classes and community events. After several successful trial runs, we’re ready to bring this vibrant space to the city of Nashville and continue expanding what Muse can offer — for dancers of all ages.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, the most influential person in my life and career has been my mother — who is also my business partner. From a very young age, she recognized that I had a natural gift for many things, but she made it clear that talent alone wasn’t enough. Her mantra was always: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t practice.”
As a child, I thought it was just something she said. But as I grew older — especially during my teenage years and as I stepped deeper into the world of business — I realized exactly what she meant. She didn’t just tell me the value of hard work; she showed me. Through her example, I learned not to shy away from the tough tasks or the road less traveled, because it’s along that road where you collect the gems that make the journey worthwhile.
Because of her, I approach work and work ethic with an optimistic mind. Yes, I appreciate convenience, but I’ve come to value the knowledge and wisdom that come from doing the legwork myself. The process builds me. The experience shapes me.
Thank you so much, Mom — I heed your advice more than you know.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Starting my company at 19 was a challenge in itself. At that age, resources were limited — not just financially, but emotionally and mentally. On top of that, I was a full-time college student majoring in chemistry, trying to balance organic chemistry exams with rehearsals, admin, and the everyday demands of running a growing business. I quickly realized that I couldn’t fully focus on both at once, and it became a real mental struggle.
I also fell into the trap of comparison. I couldn’t understand why everything felt so hard for me. Why did it seem like I had to learn every lesson the hard way? I looked around and saw others getting opportunities and recognition I felt I deserved, and I started to question everything — my choices, my timing, my capability. I felt defeated.
But I kept showing up. Not for myself, but for my dancers.
Believe it or not, it was during a toddler ballet class that something shifted. One of my students casually said, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” I had heard it a hundred times before, but in that moment, it hit differently. It reminded me: this is what I prayed for. This journey, these challenges, this purpose — I asked for this. So why was I complaining when I was living the very thing I dreamed of?
That moment grounded me. I realized I had to embrace my process — not resent it. I had to stop comparing my current chapter to someone else’s middle or end, because I didn’t know the sacrifices they made to get there. It taught me the power of genuinely clapping for others while I wait my turn and trusting that what’s meant for me will never miss me.
As a business owner, there are so many moments when you feel like giving up. The pressure is constant, and most of the time we’re our own harshest critic — we see everything that happens behind the polished final product. The late nights, the missed moments, the tough decisions. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of pouring from a cup that’s constantly being refilled and emptied at the same time.
And yet, I find it to be one of the most rewarding experiences there is.
Because of that perspective, I have a deep respect for every business — no matter how long or short they’ve been open. When I see a business close its doors, I never see it as failure. I know the weight of that decision. I know the love, energy, and sacrifice it takes to even make it that far. That’s why I don’t call it giving up — I call it bowing out gracefully.
There’s honor in trying. There’s beauty in knowing when to pivot, pause, or let go. And as business owners, I think we deserve more compassion — from others and from ourselves.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they’d probably say that real, authentic connection means everything to me. I’m someone who believes deeply in the power of living fully — not just being present, but truly taking it all in through the five senses. Whether I’m hosting a gathering for loved ones or creating an experience at my studio, I’m always thinking about how to make it memorable in a tangible, heartfelt way.
In a world that’s become so filtered through phone screens and social media, I try to bring people — especially young people — back to what makes us human: the ability to feel and live a moment, not just capture it. That’s why, even in my dance studio, I limit screen time. I want my dancers to form real memories rooted in the music, the movement, the laughter — not in a highlight reel. Some of my fondest memories with my best friend (who I met in dance class) aren’t recorded anywhere. But they live vividly in us because we experienced them fully, not through a lens.
Even in our live shows, I encourage the audience to immerse themselves completely. Put the phone away. Let yourself feel the performance. Because the most powerful memory is always the one made while being fully present.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
One thing I think people might misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not just about achievement or discipline — it’s about intention.
From the outside, people might see the polished side of things: the growing dance studio, the talented dancers, the strong work ethic, the high standards. And while I’m proud of all of that, my why runs much deeper. What I’ve built isn’t just about creating great dancers — it’s about creating safe, soulful spaces where people can truly show up, connect, and discover something real within themselves.
What people don’t always see is the emotional and spiritual investment — the care, the intention, the moments behind the scenes where I chose joy, softness, and presence, even when it was hard. My legacy isn’t just about running a business — it’s about showing young people, especially, that discipline and joy can coexist. That you can work hard and still feel deeply. That you can chase excellence without losing your humanity.
So, if someone walks away thinking it was just about structure or talent, they’ve missed the heart of it. My hope is that people feel the love, the connection, and the intention behind everything I do — because that’s what will truly last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musecdance.com
- Instagram: @wild_dancer , @musecdance
