Meet Eshe Light | Artist, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Creative Director, Artist Manager, & Artist Development Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eshe Light and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eshe, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

I didn’t choose the Arts, the Arts chose me!

My love for the Arts is deeply rooted. It’s part of my genetic makeup. My mother was one of the very first black-owned dance schools in Georgia. She was my first teacher and a phenomenal one may I add. I was 2 years old when she started training me in Ballet and tap at the Gaither School of Dance. I learned Pointe, modern, jazz, baton twirling, acrobatics, hip-hop, lyrical, and African when I got older. My mom cultivated my love for dance and performing on stage. My passion would be the driving force that landed me gigs as a dancer and singer behind local artists in the ATL. From there, I was offered the opportunity to perform on bigger stages after joining the hip-hop group Arrested Development at the age of 13. Shoutout to my sister Yenketa and Ian Burke for making the audition for Arrested Development possible. Sharing my artistic expression on a global stage changed my life. For that, I’m extremely grateful!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. I have been blessed to travel the world performing on multiple stages in various countries. Winning numerous awards from Grammy Awards to Black Music Hip- Hop Icon Awards, MTV Awards, NAACP Image Award, etc. I’ve worked with Nelson Mandela, Spike Lee, Antoine Fuqua, and many more. I’ve experienced a lot of monumental things in my life, but the best is yet to come!

Being great is never easy. I put in numerous hours per day perfecting my craft. Pushing myself to limits that I never knew that my body and mind could go. Challenging myself to be the best that I can be day in and day out. Studying the greats and learning all that I can from them. Staying ready so I don’t have to get ready! I’m still a student! Once you have reached a certain level of success, you must maintain it. I never get comfortable! I have so much to do. My development continues. My next chapter is just beginning.

I’ve learned to not take things personally. Learn as much as you can about your business to become successful. Building and nurturing solid relationships are vital to leveling up in life. Delay does not mean denial. Pay attention when God closes a door and when he opens a door. Trust your gut! Your team can make or break you. Having a team that is designed for you is the key to success. Always flow in the spirit of gratitude. Things are happening for you and not to you. Pray about everything! Read the fine print. Know that everyone is not going to like you no matter what you do. Roll with the people who ride with you in the good and the challenging times. Your inner circle should be filled with people who unconditionally love you, respect you, and who will push you to be your best self. Last but not least, GOD is everything!! I can’t do anything without God’s guidance!

I want people to know me as someone who spreads light and love everywhere I go and in everything I do. My prayer is that I make the world a better place by walking in my purpose. Whether it’s helping someone in need, training an aspiring dancer, mentoring a new artist, or showing unconditional love to everyone around me. Taking time for self-care, being there for my amazing daughter Alex P., and not compromising myself to get ahead is what truly matters to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my bestie to Trilith! I would show her the restaurants, the retail store, the lake, and the beautiful homes. Next, I would take her to one of my favorite parks to sit by the water, talk, swing on the swings, and have lunch on a blanket. We would check out a concert that’s happening in the city! We have to stop at a karaoke bar because we both like to sing and be silly. We would check out a great movie at a very nice theater. We would go to brunch at one of the hottest brunch spots in ATL. I would treat my bestie to a spa day. We would get facials, get our nails and feet done, massages, etc. A full day of pampering! We would go shopping at a store of her choice. We would find a very nice rooftop restaurant to relax, enjoy great music and food. We would visit historical landmarks and museums. I would take her to the Beltline. You can’t visit ATL without walking the Beltline. And of course, I would take my bestie to church and to hang out with family and friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom, daughter, family, friends, tribe, and supporters. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout my career!

Website: https://www.esheafrosoul.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eshesmiles/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eshesmiles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsheFanPage/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EsheAfroSoul

Image Credits
Photographer: Bobi’ for B2.0 Productions Makeup: Natalie Spencer Barber: Twon Hair Color: Eshe Light Styling: Eshe Light Jewelry Styling: Ivana