By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Some people talk about following their dreams. Shawanda “Spyda” Johnson Clarke lives it — every single day.
For more than 15 years, she has been the powerhouse behind FAMED Studios and Spyda’s 3-D Complex. Her mission? To show young people that where you start in life doesn’t determine how far you can go.
She’s taught more than 5,000 kids to dance, act, model and dream bigger. She’s taken them to TV competitions, coached them through national wins, and even shared the stage with stars. And now? She owns six studios across Toledo, Holland and Columbus, with Cleveland on the horizon.
But Spyda’s story didn’t begin in the spotlight. It began in struggle.
A Childhood in Motion
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Spyda moved to Holland, Ohio with her grandmother and mother when she was just eight.
The 80s were a tough time. “It was the crack era,” Spyda says matter-of-factly. Her mother battled addiction, and as the oldest of four children. and the only girl, Spyda often had to be the strong one.
“God prepared me young,” she says. “I took the lead, and I wanted more for my life.”
While friends got caught up in drugs or trouble, she made herself a promise: she wouldn’t drink, smoke, or let her environment define her. At 44, she proudly says she’s kept that promise.
“I wanted to show people — you can still be cool, have money, and look fly without falling into the traps around you.”
Leader Before Her Time
By her teens, Spyda wasn’t just dancing, she was organizing. She gathered kids from her neighborhood, encouraging them to try flips, sports, and creative outlets instead of street life.
She spoke at schools, led workshops, and choreographed events. She created dances for city programs, worked with Grace Community Center, and taught teens they could “turn up” with class — no twerking required.
Her energy and skill caught attention. Schools began hiring her to coach dance teams, lead cotillions, and even choreograph weddings. She worked at a suburban dance school for ten years, gaining professional training while sharpening her own vision.
By 17, she was already on staff with Toledo Public Schools. She formed a dance crew that traveled the world, won big at Showtime at the Apollo, appeared on BET, and became a local name.
A Leap of Faith
Success didn’t shield her from challenges. Eventually ownership changed at the studio where she worked.
“My aura was strong,” Spyda says with a laugh. “When God gives you something, sometimes the enemy shows up too.”
Instead of folding, she prayed. And then she acted.
One Sunday, driving down Reynolds Road, she spotted a space for lease. It was owned by a retired firefighter and his wife, who agreed to rent it to her. In 2012, FAMED Studios was born.
She balanced her new business with her job at Winterfield Elementary. When FAMED outgrew its first home, the school let her use their gym until she found something bigger. That “something” turned out to be an old dentist’s office at 2610 Central Avenue. She moved in by 2019 — and two years ago, she bought the building outright.
Today, she has locations on every side of Toledo, plus Holland and Columbus.
The Spyda 3-D Complex Vision
Her studios don’t just teach dance. They offer acting, modeling, and life skills training. Students learn poise for the runway, precision for the stage, and discipline for life.
And Spyda has big dreams for the future — a private arts and education school that will reach kids worldwide.
“I’m surrounded by amazing staff, parents, and supporters who understand our mission,” she says. “That’s what keeps us going.”
Lights, Camera, Spyda
Her impact isn’t limited to the studio. Spyda’s résumé reads like a Hollywood casting list. She’s acted on Empire, The Chi, Lovecraft Country, and Power: Force. She’s appeared in a Juneteenth commercial for Target, toured with the Millennium Tour, and performed at the Apollo.
Her latest film, Substantial Evidence, is streaming on Tubi. She’s also an independent recording artist — her fourth album, Complex, features Toledo Grammy-nominated producer Todd Young and a hit single “Dale” with Raz B of B2K.
One of her tracks even held the number one spot on the Digital Radio Tracker for eight weeks straight.
And she’s not slowing down. She recently secured a production studio space where she’ll film content, music videos, and even host tour rehearsals.
Balancing Family and Fame
Spyda shares life with her husband, John Clarke, and their blended family of five children, including a niece they’ve raised since she was one.
She’s honest about the challenges of balancing marriage, motherhood, and business.
“It’s not easy. But in a family business, everyone has to understand the mission. Other cultures pass things down — we can too, but we have to be intentional about it.”
The Mindset that Built It All
When asked what advice she gives young women who want to turn artistic gifts into a global brand, Spyda doesn’t hesitate.
“You have to change your mindset. If you can’t block out negativity, you won’t make it. Talent isn’t enough — this business is 90% business. If your head and your house aren’t in order, your gift won’t take you far.”
She warns against self-sabotage. “Your body is your temple. Don’t taint it. Don’t diminish it. Love it, nourish it, and keep it ready for the opportunities you’re working toward.”
What’s Next
Spyda’s calendar is packed — grand openings, competitions, showcases, and community events at all six locations. But she still sees herself as just getting started.
“Every time I think I’m done, God adds something bigger. I’ve checked so many boxes on my goal list — but my work isn’t done.”
Her story is proof that the dreams we dare to chase can outgrow the limits we once imagined.
From a little girl in the projects to a woman building an international arts empire, Spyda has danced every step with purpose. And she’s making sure thousands of young people learn the same steps — not just for the stage, but for life.