Meet Tal Kamin | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Tal, what do you attribute your success to?
As the youngest of 4 and an immigrant to the US at 7 years old, I have always been passionate about bringing people together. Now, as a Senior at the University of Michigan studying Dance and Economics, I have learned to focus my passions towards my greater purpose. However, my founding of We Are Queens, a 501c3 women’s empowerment nonprofit committed to redefining the future of women in the arts, was almost coincidental. I had just completed my First year at UM and had been empowered to spread positivity, raise awareness for mental health, and unite women. This simple goal translated to my creation of “Bridging The G-A-P” in August of 2019: a digital 30 day challenge designed for women to pause and reflect on 1 statement of Gratitude, 1 Affirmation, and 1 statement of Pride. This challenge quickly grew to gain the support of 750+ women, including 3 Broadway shows. As the organization has since evolved with a Board of Directors and focused its programming on college campuses through community building, leadership opportunities, and professional development, what has always persisted is our passion and ambition for purpose. We begin all team calls by Bridging The G-A-P and define our success by the increased sense of self-confidence women leave our events with. This commitment to our “why” and celebration of one another every step of the way has allowed We Are Queens to continue growing while maintaining truth to who we are and why we do what we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was 2, my college-aged siblings complained that my daily dance shows in the living room were distracting to their schoolwork and thus began my first trip of many to the dance studio. Five years later, my parents and I moved to New Jersey for my father’s job relocation. Speaking not a word of English, I gravitated to what I knew and loved most – dancing. It became a universal language for me as I craved connecting with others. As I committed myself to the art-form, I would spend 30+ hours dancing competitively growing up. Learning team work, goal- setting, and perseverance, I decided at 15 that I was ready for a new chapter in which story-telling and advocacy would be prioritized. And thus my passion for going after my dreams, doing the impossible, and embracing those around me began. At 15, I auditioned for my first professional dance company contract. I showed up to an open-call in New York City with my age removed from my resume and my mind set at joining this company. Despite being the youngest by far in the room, the magic I felt dancing in pursuit of raising awareness for a cause was indescribable. And with my first official “yes” in the industry through this job, I knew this is what I am destined to do for the rest of my life. Today, 5 years later, I reflect on the significance of that experience and appreciate the fire and visionary thinking I had begun developing at a young age. It is this commitment that allowed me to persevere through challenges, such as adapting to my first-year at the University of Michigan. Committed to pursuing a dual degree with a BFA in Dance and BA in Economics alongside a vibrant social life, I had to reimagine the time management skills I had perfected in high school. Furthermore, as I landed my dream internship within Marketing and Sales at a Branding Agency through a cold-call approach, I experienced imposter syndrome and burnout that led me to personal advocacy for mental health awareness. However, my passion for looking at the glass half full and embracing the journey allowed me to grow from this experience, and ultimately ignite my founding of We Are Queens. The intersection of my arts-driven right brain alongside my analytical left brain resulted in that which is We Are Queens. Evolving this organization from its birth and now leading a Board of Directors and Advisers of upwards of 20 women, I have learned to remain grounded through commitment to my purpose since forever: celebrating life in bringing people together. As I look forward to my continued growth, I envision myself dancing professionally after graduation alongside a career in sales, while continuing to give back through We Are Queens. I hope to continue striving to empowerr myself and others to celebrate their gifts and challenges.

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.
Having lived in Israel, New Jersey, and Michigan, I have defined home by the people closest to me and experiences I embark on. Nonetheless, my favorite city in the world is New York City. Hot take – the place in which I feel the most me is Times Square. The hustle, vibrancy, and excitement fuels me and makes me feel at home. Consequently, New York would be the perfect destination to show around a friend. We’d start by watching the sunrise by the Brooklyn Bridge, grabbing brunch at Magic Hour Rooftop, bike across Central Park, pause to journal on the red steps in Times Square (to take it all in, of course), take a dance class at Broadway Dance Center, and conclude the day with Sushi in Chelsea. We’d be sure to run into the most incredible side walk art and at least 5 people we know because that’s the magic of New York!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From my early days in tutus at the dance studio, I have always looked up to the Radio City Rockettes. Now exploring my purpose as an artist, woman, and activist at 20 years old, I am more inspired than ever by this visionary group of women that embody confidence, community, and magic in ringing in the holiday season. This company is known for their incredible precision, red lips, and commitment to supporting one another on the great Radio City stage. Having spent summers training with this group in their intensives and working hard to join the line upon graduation, I am constantly fueled by The Rockettes’ sense of women empowerment, which has continued to guide me in my founding of We Are Queens. With the goal of redefining the future for women in the arts, I embrace The Rockette’s values and pledge to follow in their legacy.

Website: talkamin.com

Instagram: tal.kamin