Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jalen Wilhite

We recently had the chance to connect with Jalen Wilhite and have shared our conversation below.

Jalen, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One thing I always keep in mind is how JALENOGRAPHY, LLC is perceived. A lot of people see us as just a dance company, but we’re so much more than that — we’re a full creative production house that brings together choreography, styling, and visual direction to tell powerful stories. Because our work touches so many areas, people sometimes only see one side of what we do. Others might not realize that choreography and styling are professional, paid services, or that JALENOGRAPHY is a formal business with a mission to create inclusive spaces and amplify minority voices through the arts. I make it a priority to clearly share our mission, show the process behind the work, and highlight the different ways people can collaborate with us so no one misunderstands what we stand for or what we offer

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jalen Wilhite, and I’m the founder of JALENOGRAPHY, LLC — a creative production company that brings together choreography, styling, and visual direction to create powerful, story-driven experiences. What makes JALENOGRAPHY unique is how we merge movement, fashion, and storytelling to build projects that connect people, amplify minority voices, and push culture forward. My background in dance and theater fuels my passion for creating work that sparks conversation and inspires unity. Right now, we’re focused on producing new projects and collaborating with independent artists to highlight fresh perspectives and celebrate underrepresented communities in the arts.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just a storyteller — moving, creating, imagining without rules. Every dance, every outfit, every idea was a piece of who I wanted to become. JALENOGRAPHY exists to keep that freedom alive, giving others a space to create, express, and be unapologetically themselves.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back most has been the fear of judgment — both from others and from myself. I’ve worried about failing, not living up to my own expectations, or not being seen the way I want to be. Over time, I’ve learned that failure is part of the process, and that the moments where I push past that fear are often where the most growth and creativity happen.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that success is instant, and that talent alone is enough. It convinces us that failure is shameful and that visibility equals value. The truth I’ve learned is different: real growth comes from persistence, from embracing mistakes, and from creating work that is authentic and meaningful — work that speaks louder than trends or expectations ever could.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. Even when the world tried to tell me otherwise, I followed the pull of creation — dancing, styling, and telling stories that mattered to me. Acting was my first love, and I plan on returning to it, bringing everything I’ve learned through dance and performance into that craft. At my core, I want to keep creating, exploring, and sharing work that feels true to who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jalenography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalenography/