Dancer, actress, and storyteller Nyla McDuffie is embracing every opportunity that comes her way. Originally from Port Huron, Michigan, and now attending Louisiana State University, she has transformed her passion for performance into a growing career in dance, film, and entertainment. Guided by faith, resilience, and a commitment to growth, Nyla's journey is a testament to the power of believing in yourself and taking the first step toward something bigger.

In this interview, Nyla reflects on what it means to embrace change, navigate uncertainty, and pursue dreams that once felt out of reach. She opens up about the lessons she's learned through dance, the confidence she's gained by stepping outside of her comfort zone, and the faith that has guided her through every new chapter. Her story is a reminder that growth begins the moment you're willing to take a chance on yourself.

The Fresh Start Interview: Nyla McDuffie

Q: When you hear the phrase "starting over," what does it personally mean to you in this season of your life?

Nyla: To me, starting over means allowing yourself to grow into a new version of who you’re meant to be. It doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from or leaving your past behind. It means taking everything you’ve learned and using it to keep moving forward. In this season of my life, starting over means stepping outside of my comfort zone, going after bigger opportunities, and trusting myself enough to walk into spaces I’ve never been in before. It’s about being open to change, continuing to learn, having the courage to take that first step, and becoming the person I know I’m capable of becoming.

Nyla: The most challenging part has been learning to believe that I belong in those spaces. Coming from a small town, the entertainment industry can sometimes feel far away or like it’s meant for other people. You don’t always see people around you taking that path, so there were moments where I questioned myself and wondered if this was really the right choice for me or if I was truly ready. Through dance, leadership, and pursuing opportunities in film and media, I’ve learned that growth happens when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Every audition, performances, and new experience has helped me become more confident in myself, my abilities, and the path I’m creating.

Q: You grew up in a small town and are now pursuing opportunities in dance, film, and entertainment. What has been the most challenging part of stepping into a bigger world, and how have you grown through it?

Q: Every artist goes through periods of reinvention. How have dance, acting, and storytelling helped you rediscover yourself when entering a new season of life?

Nyla: Dance has always been a huge part of my life since I was 5 years old. Artists Chris Brown and Michael Jackson inspired me. I started out as a self-taught dancer, and over time that passion grew into taking studio classes and continuing to push myself as a performer. Throughout high school, I was part of two dance teams at the same time: the Port Huron ThunderHawks Dance Team and the Motorcity Dance Factory. Being on both teams pushed me to train harder, improve my skills, and continue growing as a dancer. Teaching at dance clinics to younger kids grades 3rd-12th any chance I come back to my hometown and just the chance to come back and help to with the thunderhawks anyone time I can. It taught me discipline, creativity, and how to express emotions without words, especially through my facial expressions and the way I connect with the audience.

Now that I’m in college at Louisiana State University, I’ve stepped into a new chapter by creating my own dance organization, LSU Hip Hop as the founder and president. It has allowed me to continue sharing my love for dance while also growing as a leader and creating something of my own.

Acting and storytelling have allowed me to explore different perspectives and discover new parts of myself. I’ve always been willing to submit to opportunities and try new things, and by stepping outside of my comfort zone, I was able to book and be a part of two of my first films. That experience showed me that I could do more than just dance. Acting is something I want to continue growing in and pursuing in the future.

During times of change, these creative outlets have helped me stay connected to who I am while also giving me the courage to evolve. They remind me that growth isn’t about becoming someone else it’s about becoming more of yourself.

Q: Many people are afraid to begin again because they're scared of failure or uncertainty. What would you say to someone standing at the edge of a new chapter but afraid to take the first step?

Nyla: I would tell them that fear is completely normal. Most people don’t feel 100% ready or confident when they start something new, and that’s okay. The biggest thing is not letting that fear stop you from trying. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes the first step is simply believing in yourself and trusting that you’re capable of more than you think. I’ve learned that growth happens when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone and take chances on yourself.

For me, taking that first step has led me to opportunities I never thought I would have. I’ve been able to be part of a promotional and lifestyle brand photoshoot for CC’s Coffee House, book my first two films, book my first commercial, be one of the semi-finalists for artist Ciara Dance Icon competition, one of the dynast dance challenge standout performers, receive a callback for a music video as a backup dancer for an upcoming artist, and receive my first paid partnership with DanceLab.Co. These moments happened because I chose not to give up on myself and continued pushing myself to grow and create new opportunities.

The opportunities meant for you won’t happen if you never give yourself the chance to try.

Q: Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work as a dancer, actress, and storyteller?

Nyla: I hope to inspire people to believe that their dreams are possible, no matter where they come from. Growing up in a small town like Port Huron, you don’t always see people taking the path I’m pursuing unless they are willing to work hard, put in the effort, and refuse to give up. For me, I didn’t always see people around me pursuing opportunities in dance, film, and entertainment, which made me want to become someone who shows others that it is possible.

Through my work, I want to create stories and performances that connect with people, make them feel seen, and encourage them to chase their own goals. I also hope to be an example for young artists, especially young Black artists, who may be wondering if they belong in these spaces. I want them to know that their background doesn’t limit their future and that they are capable of achieving more than they may think.

Q: Looking back on your journey so far, what is one lesson you had to learn the hard way that ultimately helped shape the person you are today?

Nyla: One lesson I had to learn was that growth doesn’t always happen on the timeline you expect. There were times when I felt overlooked, doubted myself, and compared myself to other people who I thought were better than me. I had moments where I questioned myself, wondering if I was good enough or if all my hard work would ever pay off.

Looking back, I realize those moments taught me patience, resilience, and confidence. I learned that just because an opportunity doesn’t happen right away doesn’t mean you aren’t meant for it. Sometimes it just means you’re still growing, preparing, and becoming ready for what’s ahead, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to trust God’s timing and let Him guide my path. He reminds me that sometimes it’s not a “no,” it’s just “not yet.” Those experiences have helped me become more determined, stronger in my faith, and more appreciative of every opportunity that comes my way.

Q: If this interview ended with one quote that you hope readers carry with them into their own fresh start, what would that quote be?

Nyla: “An old star can only take you part of the way.”Sometimes growth means having the courage to follow a new one.”

I first heard this from one of my favorite movie, The Princess and the Frog. There is a scene where Tiana talks about making a wish on an evening star and believing that it can come true. That message has always stuck with me because it reminds me that having a dream is only the beginning you also have to be willing to work toward it and grow along the way.

To me, this quote is a reminder that the things that once guided us may not always take us where we’re meant to go next. Starting over means trusting yourself, embracing change, and being willing to step into the unknown. That’s where growth begins.

Nyla's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and trusting the journey ahead. Through every audition, performance, leadership opportunity, and new challenge, she continues to prove that growth begins when you're willing to step into the unknown. As she continues booking new projects and expanding her presence in dance, film, and entertainment, this is only the beginning of what's ahead. Be sure to follow Nyla's journey as she continues turning opportunities into milestones and inspiring others to chase their dreams with confidence. After all, as she reminds us, sometimes an old star can only take you part of the way, the rest is up to you!