Today we’d like to introduce you to LeShae Thompson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I was about 8 years old. I can remember it like it was yesterday, my first live performance in front of a crowd for the Miss AHCAC Beauty Pageant. I performed “Phenomenal Woman” by the great Maya Angelou. The adrenaline that I felt that night is when I knew I wanted to be a creative. I later began enhancing my skills with The John Robert Powers modeling agency for modeling and on-screen acting. By this time, I attending one of Miami’s most known middle schools, Norland Middle. The school with some of the most talented group of students. Some even shown in the Award-Winning movie “Moonlight” and most recent sitcom “ David Makes Man”. With that being said, I became very interested in the arts. Therefore auditioning for the Magnet Dance and Theater program. Throughout those three years, I performed in numerous amounts of shows and competitions. Then, came high school, and I like before, I had even more passion for the arts. Unfortunately, the same passion was not exuded towards the students. I later moved to Georgia, where that fire did not let out and continued what once was started with modeling. I modeled for a few aspiring local artists and even did a few shoots for recreation. I then joined the Theater and Dance program where the arts were taken a little more seriously. Through high school, I also performed in a plethora of shows where I even played the lead role for some of them. Later came College, where I took up the interest of Fashion Design. I attended Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Throughout my sophomore year, I made a drastic life-changing decision. I decided to not continue school at this time and join the United States Air Force. Don’t get me wrong, I still very much enjoy the arts and do see myself in the future continuing down the creative career path. To this day, I still have modeling gigs and opportunities to create art.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can definitely attest that it has not been a smooth road. I feel that a conflict of interest has overshadowed in my mind. Being that I’m am not completely aware of how I want to live creatively, I’m not sure of what road to take. Which is why I mentioned early on that I will be enlisting into the military. I feel I can take that time to truly challenge myself and figure out who I am. Artist block has also been another challenge of mine. One of my cons of dropping out of college was that I will no longer be around so many creatives such as myself in such a prestigious setting. I didn’t realize it until after I left that your environment does have quite a say so to how you feel and what you do. I can say that I’ve experienced being around my creative peers and that it influenced me to be a greater artist and to not have that as often as I used to, put my light on a dimmer. I am working towards forcing myself to get back into the groove of things because I know that once I’m back there will be no stopping me. Advice I have to give is don’t be afraid to switch things up and step out of your comfort zone. If you are comfortable with where you are, do something more. You never know where life can take you if you are living a habitual life.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Mostly I’ve been just modeling for local aspiring photographers. Every now then will I pick up a paintbrush and create visuals. When doing visuals, I normally specialize in recreating other artists work while adding my spin to it. As a creator, I would have to be the proudest of my thinking concept. Like the saying goes “when you know, you know.” I tend to always have this mindset when wanting to create something new. As soon as I see or hear something inspirational, I get to work. My brain is always finding new ways to create. I would also say that my drive is something that inspires others. Once that idea pops into my head, I shift into overdrive and I become so excited to try new things and challenge myself. I definitely always surprise myself whenever I am complete with a project.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Being that the “art world” is already very saturated, I feel that anyone nowadays has it hard to get in, not just women. But of course, art/entertainment will always be around, so if you keep at it you will definitely get your chance. Now, I would have to say that it is known for the women to have to work just a tad bit harder to earn the same respect as the man. As the new generation gets older, I feel like it’s not taking as much effort for the women to be heard. Basically, this generation isn’t afraid to speak out. With our vivid imagination and ability to adapt to change I feel that we are headed in the right direction for women to have the same opportunities as men.
Contact Info:
- Email: leshaethompson@gmail.com
- Instagram: Personal: @leshae.lavender / art page: destinado.a.crear
Image Credit:
Tiye Clark, Nora Benjamin, Michelle Carmona
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