Today we’d like to introduce you to PreShus Lee.
PreShus, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve worked in various industries from a large global corporation, a newly founded non-profit based in ATL, to a startup here in Raleigh. My time spent at these jobs taught me a lot. A lot about myself and what I didn’t want out of life. The last job, in particular, was the most stressful. Not so much because of the people, but more so because of my daily fight with “Imposter Syndrome”. I was a Recruiter. This meant that I was responsible for indirectly changing people’s lives through their next career choice. That is a heavy load to carry. When I succeeded, it was great. Relationships formed, promotions were given, and I could see a confidence that wasn’t there before. However, when I failed, it was horrible. The stress from the weight of the job ultimately took a toll on my physical health. Not to mention, that also with this job, I was enrolled in a dual certification program for Audio Engineering and Web Design. How is it that I, someone who was in charge of leading people to their next career, was neglecting my own. At heart, I have always been a creator. My undergrad degree in Mass Communications reflected that, but I took the “safe “route for a sense of job security. And there I was ten years later, physically ill, and miserable because I didn’t take my own medicine and follow my dreams. After taking a cruise with some friends, I realized that I needed to take my own leap of faith. On Friday, April 13, 2018, I left my job. There was no looking back. At first, I was empowered. Living off my last paychecks and optimistic about the future. Then, reality hit. It was hard, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I started meeting more people and putting myself in places I was previously scared to be in. And you know what? Because I did that, I met the people that would help me enter my career as a filmmaker. That’s how it all started. But, as quickly as it all started, it almost ended.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
After wrapping production on a short film, I noticed that I was extremely tired. I just chucked it up to being on set for long hours non-stop for three days straight, but I was wrong. On the early morning of Saturday, October 6, 2018, I had a heart attack. It was mild, but it happened. It took a long time for me to come to terms with it. I was only 32. My dad’s side has heart issues, but I thought I was on the right path. Then, out of nowhere, it happened. I felt the pain that my dad and his parents felt but ultimately did not live through. That stuck with me. It pulled me into a dark place I didn’t know could exist. Thankfully, through prayer, love, and therapy, I was able to make it out. I could not let fear win. I had work to do. From then on, I’ve been blessed to work on multiple film projects, released and upcoming, and I was able to direct and edit my own documentary film about my experience. Since releasing “Chapter 32: From Tragedy to Triumph”, I’ve been selected for my first film festival! Although I did not advance, the validation from someone appreciating my work, even at this stage, was life-changing. My goal is to spread awareness and prevention through my film and to continue to produce other works that will speak to the people.
Please tell us about P Lee Creatives.
My company P Lee Creatives started as a Web/Graphics company because that’s what I was familiar with. It has since turned into a multimedia and production company. Video Editing is something I am becoming more known for now. I’ve worked on docu-series that have aired on local tv, a talk show that I also co-host, a YouTube channel I just launched, and some other fun projects that are in production now.
The thing I’m most proud of is my resilience and ability to adapt. I could’ve easily given up and folded due to pressure and competition, but I understand that what I do is what I do.
One of my favorite quotes is “There are many people who can do what you do, but there will only ever be one you”- Unkown
That’s what makes me stand out. My sense, and a gut feeling that I inject into my work is unique to who I am as a person and my own individual understandings and experiences. That’s what I have to offer.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have taken the internship that I was offered at Sony Music in New York. I’m originally from Jersey City, and after graduating from college, I often traveled to NYC to pound the pavement for a job. My efforts paid off when I had several interviews in the Sony building on Madison Ave. It felt so good walking through those doors. Every time I visited, the security guard would look me in the eye and tell me that I belonged there. It was kismet. Until the reality of needing a paying job hit me. As a fresh graduate, afraid of the bills that would begin to pile up, I walked away from my dream and started my career in Customer Service at Tiffany & Co’s corporate office in NJ. It was a great job, but I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened, how far I would’ve gone, and where I would be if I had taken that opportunity.
I used to think that way, but the fact that ten years later, I’ve been able to jump into my career in a way I’ve never imagined, makes up for it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pleecreatives.com
- Phone: 919-283-3182
- Email: pleecreatives@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thapreshus1
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thapreshus1
Image Credit:
Charles Ruffin
Kimberly McCammon
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