Rising Stars: Meet Jaylin Leslie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylin Leslie.

Jaylin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had great admiration for arts and creativity. My family is full of artists. When I was younger, I would consistently get A’s in English and mostly only English. I loved writing and telling stories, but I was dyslexic and I wasn’t a strong reader. I would keep journals because I was shy, and I never had many friends. I used to get bullied, so I remained soft-spoken until my late teens. I didn’t know that I would become a published author. I had never thought about writing a book. After high school, my dad suggested that I go to college and become a doctor, and so I attempted that. It wasn’t until my third year and the second major change that I had the courage to pursue more.

I’ve always been a curious person, and I hope to remain that way— I started listening to motivational speakers like Les Brown, Jim Rohn, and a few others. I wanted to know what my purpose was. I was jaded at the beginning of the semester when my business writing professor told me that he had a second job and we spent three weeks going over how to write and send an email. That was my last time attending the university. I started a blog called the creatives. Site, which is now earthensden.com, where I spoke about my journey after college. Finding myself and rediscovering my passions, I read numerous books and started meditating. I started a podcast for the blog, and one day a coworker who was reading my blog post suggested that I write a book. It took me three months in total to complete the book, it was easy and effortless. I then knew that writing was a gift that I would put to use to help inspire others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about the journey is smooth. I think in life, we all have a turn, as my southern grandmother always says. I’ve fallen a million times already, but I always get back up. The greatest challenge is gaining control of your mentality and being mindful of your consumption. It’s hard to chart the path of your dreams when you have so many loved ones and friends discouraging you and the pressures from socials. The most difficult thing for me was letting go of comfort as I continued to grow and ridding the discouragement in all aspects. Losing friends and changing. I think growth and healing are painful. There’s no roadmap for life in your twenties, and there’s only so much that your family can guide you on. The waiting seasons can also be painful it all boils down to your mental strength. I think life is merely a mental game.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist. I’m mostly known for my writing and my new book Seasons. I own a blog and a podcast called Earthensden. I love inspiring others through motivational speaking. I am most proud of my ability to connect with others through communication. I was born different and I’ve remained an individual. It is my truth that separates me from the rest.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The writing industry is going to make a major shift. There will be little conventionalism and more truth. Authors will start to create from a place of freedom rather than rules and regularity.

Contact Info:

• Email: jaylinlesliewrites@gmail.com
• Website: jaylinleslie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylinleslie/