We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shyra Layali. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Shyra, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Without a doubt, freely dancing about in my home to some upbeat numbers I perform on stage will definitely make me lose track of time. I get so lost in the rhythm!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shyra Layali, the founder of Shyra Dance—a fusion dance brand that celebrates feminine power, cultural beauty, and expressive movement. Through belly dance, Indian classical and folk styles, and soulful storytelling, I help women reconnect with their bodies, heritage, and confidence. My classes and performances aren’t just about technique—they’re about transformation, healing, and joy. Shyra Dance was born from my love for both my South Asian roots and the artistry of global dance traditions. Right now, I’m focused on growing a vibrant community in North Texas through weekly classes, workshops, and performances that uplift brown women and beyond.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Before I fully saw myself, it was my belly dance teacher who saw me clearly. She recognized a fire in me—a quiet strength and expressive spirit—that I hadn’t yet owned. I just thought I loved to move, but she spoke to me like I was already an artist, a storyteller. Her belief in me cracked something open. Over time, I began to see myself through her eyes: not just as a performer, but as a woman with a voice, a presence, and a purpose.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the power of choosing to show up, even when everything feels heavy or uncertain. Success can be beautiful, but it never taught me resilience the way pain did. It was in the quiet, unseen moments—when no one was clapping, when I felt lost or discouraged—that I learned what I was truly made of. Suffering stripped away the illusion of perfection and taught me discipline, self-trust, and the quiet courage of showing up again and again, even with shaky hands and a tired heart.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is living a life filled with meaning, connection, and authenticity. They know I care deeply about creating beauty in the world—whether through dance, storytelling, or community—and that I’m always striving to grow, heal, and help others do the same. They’d probably say I’m fiercely loyal, spiritually grounded, and driven by love—especially for women, culture, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen. At my core, they know I want to make others feel held, inspired, and empowered to be exactly who they are.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I’d stop caring about what people think of me—immediately. I wouldn’t waste another minute shrinking myself, second-guessing my choices, or molding my life to fit someone else’s comfort. I’d speak louder, dance bolder, love deeper, and move through the world as my full, unfiltered self.
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