In the vibrant heart of Seattle's music scene, Kisha Vaughan moves with the grace of a seasoned dancer and the passion of an eternal student. Co-owner of the iconic Easy Street Records alongside her husband Matt, Kisha's journey from Biloxi, Mississippi to the Pacific Northwest is a testament to the power of following one's dreams, no matter how late they might bloom.

Growing up in Sacramento, California, Kisha harbored a deep love for dance from an early age. "I knew I loved to dance at a very early age as a kid watching MTV, watching Solid Gold," she recalls. However, opportunities to pursue this passion were scarce in her childhood environment. It wasn't until she moved to Seattle at 23 that Kisha took her first dance class, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Her initial foray into formal dance was a mix of exhilaration and humility. After a promising first class, the second proved challenging. "I was going to the left when everyone was going to the right," Kisha remembers. "I was so heartbroken." But in that moment of doubt, she found her resolve, asking herself, "Did you love it in your heart of hearts at the bottom of your heart that feels broken right now?" The answer was a resounding yes.

This determination has propelled Kisha through an impressive 19-year dance career in Seattle, focusing primarily on hip hop. She's been part of various crews, including Breaking Point Dance Company and Seattle Storm Hip Hop Squad. Her talent even led her to tour with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, performing at prestigious events like the MTV Movie Awards and Billboard Awards.

Beyond performing, Kisha has embraced roles as a creative director, choreographer, and teaching artist. She's the Garfield High School dance coach and choreographer at Auburn Dance Academy, Westlake Dance Center, Weat Seattle Performing Arts, Arts Corps and Youngstown. Her philosophy in teaching reflects her journey: "My whole goal is that everyone should feel what it feels like to have lights on you and to have energy promoting your experience. It should feel contagious."

As if that were not enough, she's also a fitness instructor at Rowdy Box.

Kisha's path crossed with her husband Matt's during her time as a marketing rep at Universal Music and Video Distribution. "It was an interesting first interaction," she muses, "but the first time hanging out without any peers or coworkers, the magic of us set in."

As co-owner of Easy Street Records, Kisha brings her diverse musical background to the business. "Working in a record store has always been a great opportunity to learn about different artists and be influenced by everyone's choices," she explains. Her experience has shown her the profound impact music can have on people and spaces. She even bartends on Sundays at the upstairs bar at Easy Street noting that, “It’s a push but I like the art of glamour drinks. When you sit a bloody Mary down and it looks beautiful it makes me happy.”

Looking to the future, Kisha remains committed to growth and creativity. She's currently directing a 30-minute production featuring 45 dancers and 9 choreographers from around Washington, describing it as "a representation of a cool sexy summer night. It is squad deep." The group is performing at Bumbershoot over the Labor Day weekend at the Seattle Center, Sat 8/31 and Sun 9/1 in front of the Fisher Pavilion at 6:10pm.

Because she is a Brand Ambassdor for Lululemon, her crew for the performance, "blended from three" she said, is being provided their dance wear. She feels deeply about bringing together so many different performers, many of whom she regards as true stars, into one cohesive dance squad. 

Kisha is also a mother to two children ages 10 and 13 “With big personalities and busy lives as well,” she said. “The busier I have become the more independent they have become. It’s the only way I’ve been able to loosen the grip on motherhood and hovering over everything they do.” 

When contemplating her future self in a favorite meditation, Kisha envisions a vibrant, fun-loving woman with a "gray afro," still adorned with nails and jewelry, tending to a beautiful garden. It's a future that embraces change while holding onto the core of who she is – a dancer, a dreamer, and an inspiration to those around her.

Kisha Vaughan's story is one of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of dance. From a young girl watching MTV to a respected figure in Seattle's dance community, she embodies the idea that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. As she continues to move through life with rhythm and grace, Kisha Vaughan remains an inspiration to dancers and dreamers alike.