The Artist Pivot

“You have to learn how to give yourself credit as you go. You got to give yourself credit because who would you be if you never began?” -LaNia Roberts

On today’s episode I sat down with the multidisciplinary powerhouse LaNia Roberts who happens to express her creativity as a fine artist, author, singer, and speaker. Honey, we have an honest, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring conversation about the messy middle of creative life. 

LaNia opens up about her journey from being a young girl who felt invisible until her invisible gifts were made visible, to studying across the globe, and then facing the harsh realities of post-grad life, financial insecurity, and striving to be seen as a Black woman artist. 

We debunk the myth that creative success, that you have defined for yourself, has an age limit, and discuss seeing yourself as special in the mirror first, believing that the stars will align for you again, and giving yourself the credit you deserve. Whether you’re at a crossroads, in the midst of your own pivot, or just looking for encouragement—this conversation is the reminder you need that your journey matters, your art is necessary, and sometimes the biggest leap you can take is believing your own story is enough.

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

LaNia the artist, fine artist, author, singer, speaker, LaNia Roberts, Ayana Major Bey, Black women artist, pivots, messy middle, self-worth, visibility, invisibility, marginalized communities, art programs, Syracuse University, travel, artist financial support, mentorship, HarperCollins, book deal, The Art of Rising Again, personal growth, calculated risks, survival mindset, creative process, validation, self-compassion, expectations, thriving as an artist, giving yourself credit, stars aligning, you are special, 

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“Every moment is a decision. Are we stepping into who we are or to who we were?” -MéLisa Best

On today’s episode, I sat down with creative visionary, director, producer, and founder of Haus of Infinity Studios, MeLisa Best. We discuss a multitude of things including MeLisa pivoting out of being a corporate baddie, finding joy in both the mountaintops and valleys of life, and staying fluid like water. MeLisa reminds us all to nurture our creative spirit and that creativity can manifest in many forms, including her own multi-dimensional "Black Women Euphoria" experience, which celebrates Black women’s empowerment through the film of the same title, fragrance, and wellness. Together, we delve into defining success on your own terms, building community through meaningful collaboration, and investing in yourself. Sometimes you have to remember that child who created things all the time just because and let them be your muse. 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Haus of Infinity Studios, Black Women Euphoria, Paranoidime, creative pivot, filmmaker journey, artistic collaboration, fragrance collection, Muse Collection, Wicked Scent Company, Black women empowerment, creative leadership, experimental film, self-definition of success, career transition, corporate to creative, wellness and artistry, mentorship, sponsorship, project collaboration, emotional resilience, faith over fear, celebrating small wins, personal growth, creative direction, networking, women entrepreneurs, storytelling, supporting Black creatives, defining artistry

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“Get out and do other hobbies and don't let other people distract you from those things. Find something that lights your fire as much as performing does — you have to be open to that new possibility.” -Michelle West

On this episode, I sit down with Michelle West, CEO and founder of Bia Nutrition, who shares her incredible journey from Broadway performer to thriving entrepreneur and coach.

Michelle opens up about her years navigating the ups and downs of the audition circuit, achieving her Broadway dreams, and why she ultimately chose to pivot toward a career focused on helping women transform their health and confidence. From bodybuilding victories to building a dynamic coaching business, Michelle gets candid about transferable skills, mindset shifts, and the power of finding new passions beyond the stage.

Whether you’re thinking about your own pivot or simply love stories of bold reinvention, this conversation is filled with actionable insights, a few laughs, and plenty of real talk about growth, business, and self-discovery. 

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Ayana Major Bey 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

hydration, nutrition, bodybuilding, Broadway, performing arts, career pivot, audition process, personal training, coaching business, Bia Nutrition, women's health, entrepreneurship, CEO, fitness industry, client transformation, online coaching, social media presence, business growth, work-life balance, team management, content creation, price setting, business expansion, hobby to career, time management, female empowerment, mental health, lifestyle change

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“Be really open to receiving. Find a practice that’s yours and then show up for it, and at the same time remain open to the ideas and inspirations that are coming to you without needing to force them”. - Julia E. Dyck

On today’s episode, I am joined by Julia E. Dyck who happens to be an artist and hypnotherapist. She takes us on her journey from childhood passions in choir and theater, to navigating trying the more practical route, to finally returning to her creative roots. Julia shares how the pivotal experience of using hypnotherapy to quit smoking became a gateway to blending art and therapy in her life.

We dive into her unconventional path as she describes embracing her identity as an artist, the challenges and joys of balancing multiple passions, and the importance of letting creativity flow through you rather than forcing it. We also discuss the value of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, how limitations can be a creative frame, and how building a personal ecosystem can lead to a place where inspiration thrives. Get ready to be inspired to follow your own unique creative thread.

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

artist journey, hypnotherapy, creative process, art and therapy, deep listening, sonic meditation, sound art, subconscious mind, quitting smoking, clinical hypnotherapist, artistic residency, Brussels art scene, following your calling, inspiration, creative limitations, personal ecosystem, edge effect, work-life balance, self-hypnosis, performance art, installation art, communication studies, feminism in art, intuition in creativity, value of ideas, ritualizing practice, receiving inspiration

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“Audacity is the key. I'm learning more and more audacity is the key. Just be audacious. Just create. Just make stuff. It's going to resonate with somebody.” -Kristina Love

On this episode of the podcast I sit down for an inspiring, laughter-filled conversation with performance artist, songwriter, philanthropist, and longtime friend, Kristina Love. Together, we dive into Kristina's remarkable journey from dreaming of conquering New York to building a thriving artistic home in Germany.

Kristina's career began with an unexpected pivot overseas and we talk about the challenges and joys of creating art in a different culture, and how Germany’s social systems support artists in ways the American industry doesn’t always provide. The conversation explores everything from learning to trust the power of ancestral lineage, the healing magic of music because artists can shift the atmosphere, and embracing life’s pivots with openness and grace.

Kristina offers beautiful nuggets of wisdom including leaning into your “weird”—because that’s your superpower and learning that audacity is the key. Here is an episode that will remind you of the vital role artists play in this wild and beautiful world.

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

performance artist, songwriter, philanthropy, Germany, New York City, musical theater, artist pivot, career change, American theater, European theater, Stage Entertainment, Broadway, arts industry differences, artist survival, social system, limiting beliefs, ancestral influence, creative process, songwriting, audacity, perfectionism, vulnerability, creative community

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“You are not broken. You have all the information and all the possibility inside of you right now.” -Molly Noerenberg 

On this episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast, we are celebrating the courage it takes to reroute your creative journey and redefine success on your own terms. My guest is Molly Noerenberg, a life and embodiment coach, singer, writer, and host of The Voice of You podcast.

Together, we dive into the realities of pivoting within an artistic career, discussing everything from the challenges of letting go, the grief and growth that accompany big changes, and the ever-evolving definitions of creativity and success. Molly has found that seeking alignment between personal values and career choices while listening to the wisdom of her body has brought her into fulfillment and her own definition of success. 

Our conversation explores finding stable ground in unstable circumstances, trusting your desires, and honoring your unique journey but moving beyond all or nothing thinking.

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Over Thinking Quiz

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

life coaching, embodiment, creativity, artistic pivots, singing, voice teaching, classical voice, musical theater, performing arts careers, auditioning, burnout, self-healing, career transitions, scarcity mindset, creative success, body wisdom, nervous system, self-trust, creative block, personal growth, therapy vs. voice coaching, sustainable life, alignment, self-compassion, validation, industry standards, creative sustainability, somatic practices, moving meditation, self-awareness

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Ayana hops on the mic to say hello and to let you know season 8 is on the way. She also shares that you must keep going so you can pass the baton to future you. 

Ayana Major Bey

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Welcome to the Season 7 wrap-up episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast. I’m grateful for every guest who brought their wisdom and energy to this season. From unexpected pivots in life and creativity, to making plans and embracing change, this season was all about growth and finding comfort in movement. This wrap up is a heartfelt reflection and includes my recent yoga-inspired life lesson about staying in motion and embracing pivots as a key part of every creative journey. I also spotlight some of my favorite makers and products and celebrate big wins from past guests.

Wishing you joy, fulfillment, and abundant creativity in 2026. Stay in motion, keep creating, and I’ll see you next season!

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Gold and Water Co: https://goldandwaterco.com/

Be Rooted: https://berootedco.com

Ayana Major Bey 

Website: www.ayanabey.com

Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Editor: Kieran Niemand 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On this episode, I got to chat with performer (Actor/Singer/Dancer/Puppeteer) Imari Hardon, also known as the Thespian Therapist, for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Imari shares her journey of balancing a career in both the performing arts and mental health, diving deep into the lessons learned from unexpected pivots, personal growth, and the realities behind following your passions. We explored how artists can reclaim the “main character” energy in their lives, why breaks fuel creativity, and how genuine connections unlock unexpected opportunities.

This episode is full of real talk about what it means to be an artist navigating life’s twists and turns and how practicing self-care, leaning into the power of community, and embracing the “messy” days along with the joyful ones, is how you adapt and thrive in this industry. Imari and I talk about redefining success, honoring your artistry, and learning how sometimes, the best pivots in life happen when you simply allow yourself to just “be.”

My 3 takeaways from this episode are that your self-worth is not dependent on your career, pivots are natural and necessary, and that joy and rest are essential tools. 

 Whether you’re a creative navigating career changes or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, this conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, self-compassion, and staying true to your unique path.

Get in touch: 

Imari Hardon 

Website: https://www.thethespiantherapist.com/

Instagram: @princessimari   @thethespiantherapist

Ayana Major Bey 

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Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Editor: Kieran Niemand 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Atabey & Co Network 

self-care, therapy, Broadway, mental health, drama therapy, psychodrama, musical theater, artist pivots, career transitions, auditioning, people pleasing, trauma, main character energy, self-worth, performing arts, friendship breakups, work-life balance, Black women in theater, identity, role expectations, creative burnout, side characters, artistic community, pandemic impact, audition rejection, creative fulfillment, networking, rest and breaks, validation, personal growth

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Welcome to a very special 5th anniversary edition of The Artist Pivot Podcast! On this episode I celebrate five incredible years of sharing the journeys, pivots, and profound wisdom of artists and creative humans navigating change. In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on the origins of the podcast—born from a pandemic-induced pivot away from musical theater coaching—and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. From the importance of “just doing it,” to finding accountability, embracing life’s balancing act, and learning to stay curious, I get candid about my own ongoing journey as an artist in flux. I also open up about the challenges, joys, and ongoing evolution of The Artist Pivot and celebrate the power of creative reinvention. Cheers to five years—and many more to come—of finding new ways to create, survive, and thrive!

Ayana Major Bey 

Website: www.ayanabey.com

Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot

Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast

Show Sponsors: 

WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

Editor: Kieran Niemand 

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

Part of the Atabey & Co Network 

The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana Major Bey, podcast anniversary, podcast production, creative pivot, accountability, podcast launch, musical theater, pandemic pivot, creative entrepreneurship, vulnerability, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, artistic balance, show business, capitalism, career change, artist support, green coupons, personal growth, storytelling, artist interviews, podcast newsletter, corporate creativity, self-reflection, pivoting artists

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