From creating dance routines in her living room at the age of 7 to helping thousands of people lose over 1 million pounds through her workouts, Keaira LaShae has become one of the top dance fitness trainers in the world.
LaShae, who became a professional dancer and choreographer at the age of 15, has always known that she would be dancing for the whole world one day. She kicked off her career by touring with some of the biggest stars in music, then eventually moved over to teaching Hip Hop cardio classes at her local gym. From there, LaShae created a YouTube channel focusing on dance fitness tutorials where she eventually went viral with over 16 million views on a “how to” body roll video.
Today, LaShae is a proud wife and mom of two with another baby on the way. With almost 1 million subscribers on YouTube, LaShae is more dedicated than ever to create a positive community for her fans. Through her platform, If You Can Move, LaShae continues to provide fun, innovative dance workouts and challenges each month that are filled with edgy moves and bumping music. Her next challenge kicks off on October 10, where participants can win a cash prize of up to $10,000.
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with LaShae to learn more about her journey, tips on home workouts
, how to stay motivated, and more.BE: What is your most popular workout or dance challenge and why?
LaShae: My most popular dance/workout would definitely be my Hip Hop TABATA dance workouts. Those video views range from 3 million all the way up to 26 million views on each video! People really love that style because it’s challenging but so much fun with hype music behind it. How could you not enjoy yourself? It feels like you’re working up a sweat with your friends in the club and ANYBODY can do it! I always say “If you can MOVE, you can dance!” and that’s so true because of how I break down each move. We also repeat the reps so they are comfortable and confident during the workout.
Can you explain the benefits of your at-home workout programs?
The benefits of my at-home workout programs are that you can do them from the comfort of your own home so you don’t have to worry about anyone watching you. Sometimes people feel silly if they’re not the best dancer but I always tell my viewers that’s it about PASSION OVER PERFECTION! All of my workouts are just as challenging if not more challenging than the workouts at a gym and right now because of the pandemic, no one wants to be in a room full of people so it’s best to stay at home at get that WERK!
What differentiates your workouts from other existing at-home routines?
My workouts are way more fun than the average boring at-home workouts. Regular workouts always seem like a chore and my workouts have fun, edgy moves with great music so it doesn’t even feel like you’re working out! You realize it only after the workout because your muscles are feeling it and you’re dripping with sweat. Plus, you can take my moves to the dance floor!!
Tell us more about the products you currently offer. What are your best sellers?
We have a variety of amazing, high-quality products that we offer:
- Waist Snatcher Belts which help to trim and snatch that waistline
- Nonslip Booty Bands that help to tone and lift the booty. Giving more curve action!
- Weighted Resistance Bands for sculpting and defining our muscles in a fun way.
- And of course.. our dance fitness DVDs and downloads. SNATCHED, Twerk N Tone, Dance Move Werk, Killer Cardio, and Booty Werk Twerk TABATA! We also have Milf Moves for our mommies to be.
Our most popular items are our waist snatchers, booty bands and resistance bands and all of our DVDs and downloads. ALL of our items are great sellers!
Can you explain your background and upbringing? How has that affected your perspectives on life and business?
I grew up in Tampa, Florida. I was raised by my mom, grandmother, and uncles. They always taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. They gave me the confidence to go out into the world and shoot for the stars! Even though I didn’t have much growing up, I had and still have big dreams and goals. It meant so much to me to have their love and support. My foundation keeps me hungry for better so I’m constantly growing and learning in life and in business. I grew up with God at the center of my life, I’m very compassionate about people so I always love creating products that will in some way help others no matter how big or small. I feel like there’s no limit to what I can accomplish and that mindset will take me FAR!
What are some of the most rewarding parts of your jobs?
The most rewarding part of my jobs is bringing happiness to people’s lives when they transform not only their bodies but their minds, spirits, and energy! They become a whole new person. Their
confidence shoots up and I just love to see that! I get emotional every time someone sends me their TEAMLASHAE/MOVE transformation pic and story because I’m out here changing lives for the better. It’s the coolest thing ever!Are there any challenges you face on a daily basis?
I would say that my daily challenges are definitely balancing motherhood with two little ones, being a wife, entrepreneurship, and motivating others even when I’m mentally or physically exhausted. Especially during my pregnancy right now. Some days I feel sick but I try to push through because there are so many people that depend on my workouts to lift their spirits.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the world?
My advice would be to stay true to who you are and what you represent. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s impossible to make a difference. Big or small. Remember that you have to start somewhere. Don’t let doubt keep you from potentially creating something great. We can be our own worst enemy with constant questions on whether we can succeed or not. But you never know unless you try! Keep positive influence around you and distance yourself from negativity.