Clarity - What’s Happening
Happy Winning Wednesday,
I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to every message. I see how many of you are asking what is going on, and I do believe that the fellow Christ Warriors need clarity to take it to God. So here is a synopsis of what's happening.
Truthfully, this whole situation shows me nothing more than my own disobedience. I wasn't truly using my full discernment, and I didn't act accordingly. I'm owning that before I say anything else.
What follows is my own experience, in my own words. I'm not sharing this to tear anyone down, and I'm not naming individuals. As a woman of God, I will not share anything that was told to me in confidence. This is only about business.
Why I Stepped Away
God made it clear to me last year, in 2025, when I saw a manifestation that was not of Him at the 2025 conference. I did not walk in full obedience then. Instead, I gave this year, 2026, as an opportunity to make things right.
I went directly to the founder, because that is what Matthew 18:15 calls us to do. I asked to come to the table and have a business conversation. I thought we were friends, and during that time many conversations were had, but they never involved business. They were only about personal life, and I was ready to talk business. That business conversation never happened, not face to face and not even by phone. Instead, it played out through the emails and voice notes I sent, and the response I received was lackluster. When I finally stood up fully for myself, the energy was clear. There was no accountability, no admission that I am owed money, and no payment of the funds due. Without answers, there was nothing left to talk about.
This did not become public until after several people, myself included, shared publicly that we were no longer working with Turn Up. It was only when I saw the founder and her team respond with retaliation to others, that I chose to speak.
So I'm choosing obedience now.
To my Christ warriors: if you have been feeling the Holy Spirit speak to you, I need you to hear Him clearly.
Here are the key concerns behind my decision.
1. Pay for Master Trainers and Choreographers
Instructor training, choreography, and master training take real time, skill, and sacrifice. The pay for that work did not match the value those people brought. Do better…
2. Pay for My Own Work
In 2019, I agreed to a lesser rate because of the mission. That agreement has not been honored. My rates have not changed since then. My event rate is $250 per hour, and you can see it on my website. I was also reached out to for photography and video content, and I was not paid for that work.
In 2024, I finally set a boundary with the event coordinator. I said I would not be doing certain things, and that I would work the hours that were paid for and deliver what that covered. I received a very different energy in response.
3. Percentages and Mini Sessions
Percentages were asked of others, and I was told I should be grateful that a percentage of my mini session profits was not being requested. While the comment may have been made in the midst of laughter… my response was “Girl Byyyyyyyeeeeee”. The absolute AUDACITY!!!
For context, I was paid between $2,000 and $2,500 for the entire four day conference, not per day. I worked 8 hours or more each of those days. For my fellow creatives, I KNOW this isn’t INDUSTRY STANDARD and I’m ashamed I accepted it. The only way to make a profit and not go into debt after overall expenses was to book mini sessions outside of my conference coverage, which doubled my workload across those four days. That is a very small amount for the amount of content that was delivered and then used. If there were ever any concerns about the quality of that content, they needed to be shared and communicated with me and never was I ever consulted if there was quality issues. Being told to be grateful in that situation does not reflect the value of that work.
I always gave more than what I was paid for, because I thought I was helping people. Every other major brand I have worked with has paid my hourly rate. But I did it out of love, and I did it out of community because sharing our gifts is what God calls for us to do.
4. Unclear Expectations and Contracts
There was no clear explanation of what was wanted or what the contracts needed to say. Even so, things were spoken about with full confidence, as if everything was already figured out. That left people guessing and made it hard to agree to anything clearly.
5. Conflict, Accountability, and Authenticity
It was near impossible to discuss conflict directly, due to repetitive avoidance measures by the creator. While not all issues need a response, not responding in a timely fashion or at all is not professional when the information being requested is for the brand benefit.. When concerns came up, I did not see accountability, even when wise counsel was given. I also have concerns about whether people were being treated with sincerity, and how that affected trust.
6. Programs Built With Others
Programs such as Turn Up and Tone and The Lab were initially created in collaboration with other people. Most of those collaborators may not come from a professional dance fitness or dance background, or from owning a small business, which made it even more important that they be guided well and paid fairly.
Instead, after the programs were launched, the co-creators and original creators were not adequately paid and were not given their just due.
7. Partners and Team Members
Past business partners were let go, and I have concerns about the reasons. Reactionary responses are commonly experienced in the space…
8. The Original Squad and Those Afraid to Speak
The original squad has its own concerns, and many of them may not feel comfortable sharing them.
Within Turn Up, several people have sent me messages saying they are scared to say their truth, because they do not want the retaliation they see happening to others. I understand that fear.
I'm not afraid. Fear of NO MAN. God is my source
9. How Connections and Influence Were Used
The connections of others were used for benefit. Instructors were selected not by talent alone, but by things like their location, age, race, and the influence they had in their own communities. Strategy utilization is wise but not under the guise of deceiving others or misuse of their resources for personal gain..
Some were then told they were not talented enough, after being taken through the entire process. I believe that was known from the beginning and it was spoken of often.
10. Master Training Season
The audition and selection process was chaotic and confusing for many people. Most master trainers were also stepping into something they had never experienced before. Many did not come from a professional dance background or with this unique type of experience, and I believe they were taken advantage of and not stewarded well.
Instructions were often unclear
There was not enough time to adjust their own personal lives and responsibilities
They were told they had to be in certain places, by plane, train, or car, on very short notice
They were told, in effect, that they must not really want it if they could not make it
They gave all of that time and travel without being paid for the training period
Opportunity should never come at the cost of someone's well-being, family, or finances.
11. How Instructors and Students Were Spoken About
Some instructors and students were spoken about in a disparaging way when their dance skill was not as strong. Jealousy for those that built large communities or surpassed your online reach… Ego much? Please note - this still happens OFTEN
12. Talking Money to a Women Empowerment Audience
Speakers talked about money in front of an audience where many people are in financial decline and are working hard just to afford a seat in the room. Where does this empower? Telling the audience that they should PAY YOU 3k for a Mastermind course… Are you serious? Yet, you owe MANY WOMEN.
Many people in the room were given free access to the conference. A business can make its own decisions. But for the instructors who saved up their money for flights, hotels, conference fees, and VIP, and then found out their counterparts did not have to pay for at least the registration, it shows unfair and unjust practices…
13. Conference Refunds and Transfers
Concerns about refund and transfer options, including for people who faced major health issues and could not attend. Do BETTTTTTEEEEEERRRRRRR
14. The 2026 Conference VIP Experience
Concerns about whether the VIP experience matched what was promised. Girl… seriously?
15. Spiritual Alignment
As a Christian, I cannot align with tarot card readings, seances, or witchcraft, and I believe they open doors we should not be opening. I was not aware of these practices at first. Once I was made aware, I could not unsee it, and I'm standing on God's business. If you’ve been feeling a battle… please know that our connections to others who welcome alternate entities pass on through our connection. Spiritual warfare is not a myth.
16. Conference Entertainment
At two conferences, male entertainment was brought into a women's empowerment environment, and people (myself included) were not told beforehand that it was going to take place. That does not align with my values. I will not speak on the additional inclusion that is being discussed; as you already know I’m conflicted on this issue. My inclusion here was under the pretense of him helping you with your BUSINESS issues… again wise counsel was not adhered to.
17. My Part in All of This
Even though I addressed many issues in real time or after prayer. I stayed silent when I should have spoken, and I compromised my values. I'm not exempt from this lesson. I'm learning it right alongside you.
This Is Not About Money
I know the story may be told that I am disgruntled because I was not paid what I was already due. This is not about that.
This is about the response to people choosing to leave, and about my reflection over the past seven years. I advocated for this space under the belief that it was built for women's empowerment, and I'm going to keep advocating for women's empowerment now.
Empowerment is not diminishing someone's power because you don't like what they say. We can have conflict and disagreement in an amicable way, and still highlight each other and show love.
The Response So Far
Several people have stepped away from Turn Up around the same time. I know that is hard for the creator, and I take no joy in it.
What I'm sad to see is how it has been handled. Since people began leaving, the response from the founder and her team has included emails that people have described as threatening, and removing people from their communities for commenting or asking questions about their own personal experiences.
I'm not going to say more than that here. I'll let those actions speak for themselves. If you consider yourself called to Christ, you know how He treats people who are hurting and asking questions. Just as God spoke to me again and again, if you are walking with Christ, your conviction will set in. Listen to it.
To the Creator
If you are wondering how I have the time to give energy to this, it is the same way I did when it was in support of your brand. I made the time, even when I did not have it. When I am laser focused, you are either benefiting from that focus, or you are on the other side of it. You’re welcome for the first 7 years of laser focus… the remaining time meh. Again… I absolutely welcome you to send ME one of those emails of legal action… pick on someone who knows how to fight with resources.
As an FYI - because I know you don’t know much about my corporate life… I’m a former Advocacy Compliance advisor boo, my receipts know how to stay focused on the issue at hand. Again, you’re welcome.
Where We Go From Here
I'm going to take the time I need to pray, heal, and choose my words carefully, so that when I speak, I speak in obedience and not in hurt.
Here is what I'm asking of you:
Pray for everyone involved, including those who are hurting and those who are still choosing to stay in rebellion.
Ask questions with an open heart, and go to the original source for what is not mine to tell.
Use your discernment. Test what you see and hear against what God says, and don't idolize humans.
Choose peace, and make your life decisions as you need to.
My doors are open, my connections stay, and I will keep showing up with grace. I will also keep standing on my values, and those of us who left in peace deserve to be treated with respect.
As always I love you as God commands and pray for God to bless you with HIS PRESENCE.
Tamika LaJoyce