Baylee Lokey: Dancing Her Way to Dreams Coming True

Most entrepreneurs and anyone involved in the fashion world probably knows the story of Kendra Scott.  She began making jewelry from her home after her first child was born and selling her creations in boutiques around Austin, where she still lives today.  Soon, her designs were accessorizing models for fashion brands like Oscar de la Renta and appearing in stores like Nordstrom.  Today, she is the executive chairwoman of Kendra Scott Jewelry, a billion dollar empire, as well as a generous philanthropist and a fan favorite guest “Shark” on the popular entrepreneurial TV show Shark Tank.  I imagine, had you met her in those early years, she would not have been unlike Anna resident Baylee Lokey.  While their artistic expressions differ, the brilliance, drive, and infections joy of these women cannot be denied.

At just 25 years old Baylee has already established herself as a standout entrepreneur in Collin County. As the founder of Rainbow Dance Company, Baylee’s journey from passionate young dancer to thriving business owner is both fascinating and inspiring. In just a few short years, Baylee has transformed her vision for a dance studio into a hub for creativity, inclusivity, and community. The studio won the Rising Star Studio award in 2023 and Baylee herself is the 2024 Teacher of the Year through ‘Ready, Set, Dance’ solidifying the place she and her team hold as leaders in the dance community.

Leaping into Leadership

What truly sets Baylee apart is her ability to seamlessly balance the demands of entrepreneurship with her deep passion for teaching young performers and mentoring her team. From an early age, Baylee showed her natural leadership abilities, leading dance classes and mentoring younger students even as she was just entering her teenage years herself. By 21, she was not only teaching full-time but also running a business—her own dance studio. Her expertise in both business and dance, combined with a genuine heart for the community, positions her as an expert in her field and a role model for young entrepreneurs everywhere. Baylee’s is proving that hard work, wise mentors, and a clear vision can lead to remarkable success, regardless of age.

Baylee’s entrepreneurial progress began with a vision that was as flexible as it was ambitious. Before opening Rainbow Dance Company’s physical studio, she ran a successful mobile dance program that brought the joy of dance directly into schools across the Collin County area. This approach allowed Baylee to reach young dancers where they were, meeting the needs of busy families and helping to create an early foundation for the Rainbow Dance brand. She fondly remembers, “I was working for a mentor who ran a very successful mobile program throughout DFW where she brought the dance classes into schools and preschools. I didn’t even know that was a thing...I thought it was genius.  She encouraged me to jump in and I did.” Baylee quickly adapted this model for herself, made adjustments due to the challenge of a global pandemic, and gained a loyal following of young dancers and their families.

While the mobile program offered a solid foundation, Baylee knew that a physical studio was an important next chapter in the story of her business.  After nearly a year of searching for the perfect location, Baylee found herself standing in front of an empty concrete box—a blank canvas that would become the home of Rainbow Dance Company. She recalls the moment with excitement: “I walked in and was like, this is it. This is the place.” The space, located in her hometown of Anna, not only offered a fresh start but also a sense of nostalgia. This was the place where her own love for dance was born, and now, she was bringing dance back to the community that had nurtured her passion.

The transition from a mobile program to a physical location was rapid and thrilling. “It was a challenge, suddenly you find yourself taking on the role of designer and contractor in addition to running your business,” she reflects. The road blocks and long process of construction was worthwhile, however, as parents and children in Anna were eager to have a local place to learn and grow. The studio quickly became a pillar in the community, with Baylee actively engaging with local schools, preschools, and neighborhood organizations. “We’ve received a great response in having a studio in Anna... especially as Anna’s growing so much,” Baylee says, noting the excitement from parents who no longer had to travel to neighboring towns for dance classes. As the studio continued to grow, it became a space where children could not only learn the art of dance but also develop discipline, confidence, and a sense of belonging within their own community.

Perfecting the Routine

While nurturing the creativity and encouraging the building of community are important to Baylee, her other focal point is inclusivity. She believes that dance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level, background, gender, or experience. “We are very kid-focused in a different way,” she explains, emphasizing that her approach to teaching involves recognizing each child’s unique learning style and providing individualized attention, even in a group setting. Baylee’s commitment to inclusivity goes beyond just tailoring lessons to fit the needs of her students—it’s about creating an environment where every child feels valued and supported. This philosophy is reflected in the way the studio fosters a sense of community, where all dancers, from toddlers to high schoolers, are encouraged to express themselves through dance while receiving instruction and encouragement from the entire team. By ensuring that each student receives the attention they need, Baylee creates a space where dance becomes a tool for building confidence, not just for mastering technique. Inclusivity, for Baylee, is about providing opportunities for all children to experience the joy of dance, no matter where they start.

The commitment to inclusivity is displayed, in part, by having a male teacher, a very accomplished dancer in his own right, on her staff as well.  “If you want to come dance, this is a place where it is appropriate to come dance. It isn’t all pink and glitter and tutus, even with a class that is all girls that isn’t the way we do it.  What is important is that they are learning the steps and the dance moves and that it's fun and appropriate for all.  It’s not a class for girls that a boy happens to be in. It's a dance class.”  In fact, Baylee points out that many professional athletes, both male and female, take dance classes to build core strength, stamina, and balance. “Dance is for anybody, and there isn’t a dance season, because the learning and growing and working to become excellent never ends.”

Choreographing Success

Baylee is a powerful role model for young entrepreneurs, particularly those in Collin County. As a 25-year-old business owner, she demonstrates that age is not a limitation to achieving great success. She embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and mentorship, showing that with the right guidance and determination, anyone can turn their passion into a thriving business. Baylee’s story isn’t just about teaching dance—it’s about leading by example, proving that young women can break through barriers and redefine success.

One of the key factors in Baylee’s success is her commitment to learning and seeking guidance from mentors. She shares how the mentorship she received from Karissa, a leader in the dance community, was instrumental in her own development. “She told me, 'You need to do this on your own,'” Baylee recalls, noting that it was Karissa’s encouragement that propelled her to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Baylee’s willingness to ask for help, learn from others, and then apply that knowledge has been a driving force in her progress both as a dancer and as a business owner. In turn, Baylee now encourages other young entrepreneurs to surround themselves with people they trust and can turn to for honest advice. “You need that one person that will really tell you how it is,” she advises, stressing the importance of receiving constructive feedback even when it’s not what you want to hear. This advice is essential for anyone looking to navigate the challenging world of entrepreneurship.

Baylee's impact as a role model extends beyond just business advice. She is also a mentor to many of her students, inspiring them not only to become great dancers but also to believe in their own potential. She encourages her students, especially the young girls in her classes, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. “When I hear kids say that they want to be a dance teacher when they grow up, it always makes me so excited,” she says, reflecting on how rewarding it is to see the next generation of potential entrepreneurs inspired by her work. Through her actions, Baylee is not just teaching dance—she’s showing young people what it means to chase after your dreams, build a business from the ground up, and stay committed to your community. Her example is a reminder to young entrepreneurs everywhere that success doesn’t come overnight, but with persistence and passion, vision can become reality.

Taking a Bow

Baylee’s journey as an entrepreneur is a powerful testament to what young women can achieve when they combine passion, perseverance, and mentorship. Much like Kendra Scott, who began her jewelry empire from a small home business and built it into a billion-dollar brand, Baylee has taken her love for dance and turned it into a thriving studio that serves her community in meaningful ways. Baylee has already proven that age does not define success, and that with the right mindset, anyone can build a lasting, impactful business.

Baylee’s story is not just about business success; it is about leading by example and empowering others to do the same. Through her hard work, dedication to her craft, and unwavering belief in the power of community, Baylee Lokey has not only built a successful business but has also inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and take action. The ripple of her influence will be felt in Anna for decades to come.