Today we’d like to introduce you to Naya Somanya
Hi Naya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for both art and entrepreneurship. My acting journey started acting in 2016; working on smaller productions and honing my craft. In 2021, during COVID, an audition for a role that required pole skills inspired me to take a pole dancing class to prepare. Even though the role didn’t pan out, I fell in love with pole dancing and kept doing it just for fun. It became a way to stay active during a challenging time, and it also reminded me that it was okay to be a beginner and that small consistent steps can lead to you being really good at something.
In 2022, I moved from New Jersey to Los Angeles to really give my acting career a shot. While acting is my main focus, I started teaching pole dance classes at several studios in LA. This eventually led to launching my own business, PoleBait (www.polebait.com), where I teach private lessons and host a monthly event called FlowBait. FlowBait is all about celebrating the diverse expressions of pole dancing and introducing it to new audiences in an exciting, fresh way. I also offer stage pole rentals for performers and events.
2024 was a significant year for me as an actor. I performed in a play called Remember 92 at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, which was nominated for a No Room in the Green Room award. Shortly after, I signed with Kreativ Artists.
Today, I’m also interested in exploring filmmaking, and shifting some of my focus to telling the stories that I’m passionate about. Friends often ask how I balance so many projects, but I think my background in Business and Marketing from Rutgers University has helped me navigate both the artistic and entrepreneurial sides of my life. My goal is to produce independent projects, bring more of my creative visions to life, and fuse my all of my passions together in some way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, primarily due to personal reasons. I’ve spent a lot of time trying different things and often feeling lost along the way. Acting, like pole dancing, was something I stumbled upon, but these pursuits, along with my relationship with God, has helped to anchor and give my life direction.
Through the challenges I’ve faced—whether in friendships, relationships, or personal growth—I’ve realized that I’ve always been my biggest obstacle. I truly believe that what we focus our thoughts on and how we speak to ourselves will ultimately reflect in our lives. It takes time to figure that out, and that’s okay. Once you start channeling your energy into healing—whether through therapy, discipline, or just gratitude for your life—things begin to fall into place at the time meant for you.
I emphasize “you” because we live in a culture where everyone shares their successes on social media, and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. If you let that mindset take over, it can lead to mental paralysis. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure of meeting certain expectations and instead focus on what brings me joy, consistently, and with excellence. It’s freeing to surrender the expectation of results and just be present in the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
PoleBait is a business I created to bring a fresh perspective to the world of pole dancing. We offer private lessons tailored to all skill levels, helping students tap into their strength, creativity, and confidence. What really sets us apart is FlowBait, our monthly event that’s designed to celebrate the many facets of pole dance, from its athleticism to its artistry. PoleBait collaborated with pole dancer/instructor, Yozmine Modeste (aka Flow Millie) to develop FlowBait. The event creates a space for people to express themselves through pole, while also introducing this art form to new audiences in an exciting, inclusive way.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise for PoleBait, is how we not only provide education and training, but also community. Pole dancing has often been misunderstood or overlooked, and through our offerings, we’re showing its diverse, empowering potential. We even offer stage pole rentals, which allows performers and event hosts to take advantage of professional-grade equipment, whether for showcases, events, or private use.
At its core, PoleBait is about helping people discover or further their journey in pole in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Whether someone is a complete beginner or has been dancing for years, they’ll find a space here to grow, express themselves, and connect with others. Through FlowBait, we’re also shining a light on how dynamic and creative pole dance can be, exposing it to more people and expanding its reach beyond typical studio walls. My goal is to make pole accessible and enjoyable for everyone. People can learn more and connect with PoleBait on social media @PoleBait and via the website, polebait.com.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I have a pretty extreme view when it comes to risk-taking. I believe that not taking risks is like a slow death. I never want to look back on my life and regret not trying something, so risks are a necessary part of my journey.
When I was in high school, I went through a phase where I wanted to be a fashion stylist, and I found out that this female rapper signed to the Dreamchasers label at the time was doing an event close to where I lived. So I decided that I would show up to the event, and just simply ask her if I could style her for a music video or whatever, and guess what – she said yes. Honestly, I laugh now because the outfits we chose are so cringe, please don’t look into it, but – bottom line, we did it. That experience taught me that nothing is too far out of reach. You only fail if you don’t try.
For me, taking risks is about pushing past the fear of failure and knowing that, even if things don’t work out as planned, you’ll grow from the experience. It’s part of what keeps life exciting and full of possibility.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Private Pole Memberships Available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.polebait.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polebait/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/nayasomanya/
- Other: https://www.nayasomanya.com
Image Credits
Brandon Jones, Emmeline Kim, Yessi Sanchez, Sam Walker, Alex Oh
