Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberley Guillaume.
Hi Kimberley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Hamilton, New Jersey as a first-generation Haitian American. I currently live in The Bronx, New York, after making the decision to move back to New York City in 2021 to fully immerse myself in its vibrant creative community. Creativity has always been a part of who I am, but dance is where I first found my voice.
Some of my earliest memories are of dancing in church. One performance that has stayed with me all these years was dancing to Smokie Norful’s I Need You Now. Looking back, I didn’t realize it then, but those moments planted the seed for everything that would come after. Dancing in church taught me that movement could be more than choreography. It could tell a story, express emotions that words sometimes cannot, and create a meaningful connection with others. It sparked my love for performing, storytelling, and using dance as a way to uplift, encourage, and touch people’s hearts. That early understanding of dance as both an art form and a way to connect with something greater continues to shape the way I move, teach, and create today.
I began my formal dance training at All That Jazz Dance Academy in Hamilton, New Jersey, where I built a strong technical foundation and discovered the joy of expressing myself through movement. From there, I continued dancing on the dance team at Hamilton High West, where my passion for dance continued to grow and I gained valuable experience performing as part of a team.
I went on to attend Ramapo College of New Jersey, where I studied Visual Arts with a concentration in Photography. While in college, I was introduced to New York City’s commercial dance scene and had the opportunity to dance with WRT The Collective. That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of pursuing dance beyond what I had previously imagined. At the same time, studying visual arts deepened my appreciation for storytelling, composition, and creativity—elements that continue to influence how I approach movement and performance today.
As I continued to explore the commercial dance industry, I sought out every opportunity to grow. I trained with some of the industry’s most respected choreographers, including Luam Keflezgy, Rhapsody James, and Theresa Stone Loper. Each experience challenged me creatively, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and helped shape the artist I am today.
Today, I’m proud to perform with Ladies of Hip Hop (LOHH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women in Hip-Hop culture. Through LOHH, I’ve had the opportunity to use dance not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a way to uplift, educate, and build community through the culture.
I’m also honored to serve as a dance instructor at Tiffany ’N Company Academy of Dance in Hamilton, New Jersey, where I have the privilege of mentoring the next generation of dancers. Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey because it allows me to help students build confidence, discover their own voices through movement, and develop a lifelong love for dance.
Alongside my creative journey, I built a professional career at Apple where I have been able to hone in on my leadership skills, customer experience, and technical expertise. Learning these skills have been just as valuable in the studio as they are in the workplace. Those experiences taught me how to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and create environments where people feel supported and inspired.
Looking back, I realize my journey hasn’t been about following one perfectly mapped-out path. It’s been about saying yes to opportunities, trusting the process, and allowing each experience to shape who I am. Today, I’m grateful to be a dancer, educator, performer, model, and creative, and I’m excited to continue growing while creating opportunities that empower others. I hope my story encourages people to embrace every chapter of their own journey with courage, purpose, and authenticity.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and in many ways, I’m grateful for that because the challenges have shaped me into the person and artist I am today.
One of the biggest turning points came during college. In addition to dancing, I was a member of the Ramapo College Women’s Track and Field team, and during practice I tore my ACL and meniscus. In an instant, everything changed. As both an athlete and a dancer, the injury didn’t just affect me physically—it challenged my identity. I had to navigate the uncertainty of surgery, rehabilitation, and the fear of whether I would ever move the same way again. Recovery demanded patience, discipline, and perseverance, but it also taught me to appreciate what my body is capable of and to never take movement for granted.
Beyond the physical challenges, I’ve also had to navigate seasons of self-doubt. Like many artists, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome and questioned whether I belonged in certain rooms or whether I was truly capable of pursuing the dreams placed on my heart. Over time, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuing to show up, do the work, and trust that growth comes through consistency, not perfection.
Mental health has also been an important part of my journey. There were moments when the pressure to keep going while balancing work, creativity, and life felt overwhelming. Learning to prioritize my well-being, ask for support, and extend myself grace has been just as important to my growth as any class I’ve taken or performance I’ve been a part of.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought another layer of uncertainty. Like so many people, I experienced profound loss and grief during that time. It forced me to slow down, reflect, and confront emotions I had never fully processed. While it was one of the most difficult seasons of my life, it also reminded me of the importance of community, faith, and finding purpose even when the future feels uncertain.
Looking back, I don’t see those experiences as detours—I see them as part of my foundation. They deepened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and reminded me that our greatest growth often comes from the moments that challenge us the most. Today, I carry those lessons with me into every rehearsal, every classroom, and every opportunity to connect with others through dance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a storyteller. Whether I’m dancing, modeling, developing creative concepts, or styling a look, I’m always thinking about how to create something that resonates with people. I love using movement, fashion, and imagery to communicate emotion and tell stories that feel authentic.
Dance is the foundation of everything I do, but my creativity extends far beyond the stage. I’ve had the opportunity to work as a model on a variety of campaigns, and one of the moments I’m most proud of was modeling for Sensationnel. As a Black woman, that experience felt especially meaningful because braids are more than a hairstyle. They’re a reflection of our history, identity, creativity, and culture. To be part of a brand that celebrates that heritage was an honor and a full-circle moment in my journey.
I also enjoy creative direction and styling. I’m naturally drawn to the details that bring a vision to life, whether it’s building a concept, curating a wardrobe, or finding the small touches that make an image or performance memorable. People often recognize me for my personal style and my signature nails, which have become a fun extension of my personality and creative expression. I believe style is another language. It’s a way to tell people who you are before you ever say a word.
If there’s one thing that sets me apart, it’s my ambition and willingness to embrace every opportunity to grow. I’m often asked how I balance my professional career, performing, teaching, modeling, traveling, family, and everything else I’m passionate about. The truth is, I don’t believe in waiting for the “perfect time” to pursue my dreams. I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being intentional with my time, staying grounded in my purpose, and giving my best to whatever is in front of me.
More than anything, I hope people see someone who leads with authenticity, curiosity, and heart. Whether I’m on stage, in front of the camera, in the classroom, or behind the scenes bringing a creative vision to life, my goal is always the same: to leave people feeling inspired and to create work that has meaning.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m always seeking out resources that inspire me creatively while also encouraging personal growth, reflection, and a deeper connection to my purpose.
One resource that has had a meaningful impact on me is Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being. As an artist, I love the reminder that creativity is not just something we produce; it is a way of moving through the world. The book has encouraged me to remain curious, present, and open to inspiration in unexpected places. As someone who works across dance, modeling, styling, and creative direction, I find that creativity is not limited to the final product. It lives in the process of exploring ideas, building a vision, and finding new ways to tell stories.
I’m also inspired by Oprah’s SuperSoul podcast, which explores conversations around purpose, spirituality, self-discovery, and personal growth. I appreciate the way these conversations encourage reflection and remind us to look beyond external accomplishments and focus on who we are becoming. My journey began with dancing in church, where I first discovered that movement could be a form of storytelling, connection, and expression. Because of that foundation, I’m drawn to resources that encourage intentional living and staying connected to my values.
Pinterest has also become one of my favorite creative tools. As someone who works across multiple creative spaces, I use it as a visual playground for inspiration. Whether I’m creating a mood board for a photoshoot, exploring styling concepts, developing choreography ideas, or gathering references for creative direction, Pinterest allows me to organize my ideas and bring visions to life.
Ultimately, the resources that inspire me all share a common thread: they encourage curiosity, creativity, and growth. I believe the best artists and leaders are lifelong students, and I’m constantly inspired by the people I meet, the communities I’m a part of, my students, and the experiences that continue to shape my journey. These tools help me continue evolving not only as a creative, but also as a person, educator, and storyteller.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberleyyjoy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-guillaume-a67445425/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kimberleyyjoy
Image Credits
Sekani, Dionne Martinez, Sensationnel, Jjay, Still1
