We recently had the chance to connect with Sequoia Watson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sequoia , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
On a normal day right now it looks like waking up 5am Monday-Friday praying, self talking, and preparing for a days work as a 6th grade Social Studies teacher, Periodically throughout the day I am also checking emails, responding to emails, responding to bookings, making sure content is posted and doing numbers, adjusting my website, checking and updating my booking calendar. Once I’m home from the work day I make time for my dogs and also go to any rehearsals or practices (if there are any throughout that week). Weekdays are busy because those days are usually my booking event days and I have at least 2-3 events a weekend.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Sequoia Watson and I am currently a 6th grade Social Studies teacher. I have been teaching for 8 years and a 6th grade teacher for 2 of those years. My brand is PoppinNPumps that I created and built in 2017. It is an all adult dance class where I teach different dance genres from hiphop, twerk, sexy strut in heels, mama and me class and line dancing! I host private birthday sessions, girls night out, fun parties, bachelorette parties and I choreograph weddings.
What makes my classes interesting is because its a non-judgement zone, My classes are very uplifting and gives empowerment because I’m not expecting you to be a a professional dancer, I’ve created a space where you can be free and just come and let your hair down from all the stress from a job, at home or etc. My energy also speaks for itself because I’m very vibrant and authentic. I give off great energy for you to feel and be comfortable around me and not just my classes.
Being a content creator as well plays a lot in who I am. I receive heartfelt messages from so many people across the world on content I post and how it makes them feel or makes their day. To know that a simple post of me dancing or modeling or even motivational speaking speaks life into others to keep going and never give up despite what challenges they may face. Being an influencer can uplift, unite and educate others and that is what I put my best foot forward each and everyday for the people.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I don’t believe the world had anything with telling me who I am, I am who I am because this who I’m suppose to be. Growing up was that little girl growing into a teenager always dancing and full of energy. I was exactly what God I had already called upon me to be and that was/is UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME! I dance aloud proudly no matter the crowd, I walk in the room owning my presence and with confidence. I’m owning the room because I’m suppose to be in that room.
The world will always try to tell you who you are. Some will see your light, others will only see their own reflection. But here’s the truth: you are not here to fit into someone else’s box. You are here to define yourself. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and remember—your worth isn’t up for public opinion. It’s decided by you.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After being diagnosed in 2020 with HIV from an individual I once thought cared deeply for me, the devastation and embarassment took a turn for its worst on me. The pain I endured or any individual could have endured was unbearable. I hid behind my pain for a year in half because the depression and anxiety too over my mind, my soul, my inner thoughts as well. I continuously talked to God and asked “Why me” because I knew deep down I didn’t deserve this type of pain.
The thing about having to understand why you become the chosen one to be put in situations like this is very complex. Sometimes circumstances are random—accidents of timing, environment, or other people’s choices. It doesn’t always reflect what you “deserve,” but rather the chaos of life itself. When I started my healing process I realized that hard situations often expose strengths you didn’t know you had. I first spoke out about my story at the end of 2021 at a Praise & Brunch event to 200 plus women in the room. There was not a dry face in the building and that was the moment I realized you don’t always choose your situations, but you do choose your response—and that choice can be your power.
Motivational speaking became a huge part of my life. Not just because I wanted my story to be heard but I wanted to educate more. I wanted the people to know you can shape resilience, empathy, or clarity about what really matters in your situation and you may later look back and realize the experience redirected you in ways you couldn’t see at the time. I was able to find peace throughout this situation understanding that “This is happening for me, not to me.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Support and Memories. Support for me looks like emotional, practical, encouragement, and growth. Reminding someone of their strengths and potential doesn’t give them something new—it awakens what’s already inside and gives them courage to keep going. I will admit that I’m human do I always have the answers, No. Do I always get it right, No. Do I have moments of doubt, Yes. Support over time can help reshape self-image to help plant seeds of resilience, independence, and self-trust that last beyond the tough moment.
Memories matter as well because one day memories will be all you have to look at so I cherish moments with friends and family when I am with them. Memories also remind of who we are, where we’ve been and how far we’ve become.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I changed lives through my mentorship, generosity, resilience and endurance. I want to be remembered as someone who lived with intention, who made people feel seen, valued, and stronger than they realized. I hope my life is a story of kindness that carried weight, courage that inspired others to try, and love that left lasting marks. More than achievements or titles, I want the legacy of my life to be the people I lifted up, the hope I left behind, and the reminder that even in small ways, one life can change another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.experiencepoppin.com
- Instagram: Pieces_of_Shaunta
- Facebook: Sequoia Watson
- Other: TikTok: PoppinNPumpsShaunta
