Introduction

If this is the first post you are reading from me, I would like to introduce you to the series.

G. D. Anderson said “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” 

This perception of strength she described is the reason I am creating this interview series.  Each article is structured to highlight the strengths, talents, and business pursuits of inspiring women of all ages, races, ethnicities, and nationalities. 

Thank you for traveling around the world with me as we celebrate these women’s accomplishments.

Leah Martin

Today we are traveling to Connecticut to learn about singer, model, and social media creator Leah Martin. I love how honest and relatable this girl is, and always enjoy her tick tock videos, so I am excited to introduce you to her as well!

15 Questions With Leah Martin

Q. 1. Where did you grow up? How has that shaped the woman you are today?

While growing up in Connecticut, I’ve had a few life changing moments at a young age, and I believe although they weren’t positive events, they have molded me for who I am today.

Q. 2. Have you always been interested in an artistic career?

I have always been full of ambition, and come from generations of artists and creators. Although, the idea about what I wanted to be when I grew up was constantly changing. I don’t believe that a 17 year old knows what they want to do for the rest of their life in high school; it’s when they are broken free out of places where everyone judges and criticizes that they truly find what they are set out to do and, through that, it has lead me to where I am right now. 

Q. 3. Are there any misconceptions that people have about what you do? If so, what are some of the things that you would like people to know?

The internet is full of misinformation, especially with the industry that I am working in. The word ‘Network marketing’ intimidates people, because it has been rising only within the last couple of years. There is so much potential from working remotely and making uncapped earnings. Who wants to live and work for someone else?

We have come so far with technology and have the ability to be successful at the palm of our hands. My biggest piece of advice to those who are skeptical about what I do is not to believe everything you read on google. Talk to people who are ambitious, who have created something from nothing, and be teachable, you could be next for something life changing. 

Q. 4. It looks like you are super busy with modeling, releasing a new single, and running your growing tick tock account. When did you decide to pursue music and content creation full time?

Music is a gift that runs through my family bloodline, and creating has always been an escape for me. I started to apply myself more to both only a few years ago, releasing my first single “Phases” on streaming platforms. After seeing the positive feedback from friends and relatives I felt inspired to create more. It goes hand in hand with content creating because I design my own promoted posts, albums, and platform to share my work with an amazing and supportive audience. 

Q. 5. Do you have any upcoming business ventures you are excited about?

There are many goals I have with business this year, and that is the beauty in my work. I don’t have to cram my dreams to fit anyone else’s narrative, instead I can work at them steadily with urgency. This year I am working toward earning a Caddilac, earning an all expenses paid vacation, and growing my business far and wide.  I believe that I can rise up and inspire those around me to do the same. I am so excited to see what is in store for 2021, it is solely in my hands!

Q. 6. What inspires your music?

It seems as though every time a major change happens in my life, I write more lyrics.. The best time to catch me in the works of something new is putting on a soundtrack and freestyling what comes to mind. There is no limit to what we can create with music, therefore I like to think outside the box. 

Q. 7. Do you write your own music? What is your process for producing your songs?

I write my own music, and my soundtracks are all original. My vibe is Sunday morning jazz, with a bit of pop mixed in. I usually have inspiration in mind while creating instrumentals, such as Amy Winehouse, Steve Lacy, and Yeek. Their music helps me find the vibe I desire, then I get to work! 

Q. 8. Promoting yourself can be intimidating. Have you ever felt nervous to advertise yourself, or were you always confident about your career choice?

I spent years living for others, and caring what people in my hometown would think of me when I started putting myself out there. Until I realized that my life will never be my own if I let everyone else’s noise come in the way. I’m learning how to tune everything else out, and do what makes me happiest. Nothing changes if nothing changes, and when we step out of our comfort zones, then we can reach our full potential. I wouldn’t change what I do for the world, even in the little moments of doubt in fear, I want to make my family proud, and that is my biggest motivation. 

Q. 9. What advice would you give to women who are considering starting their own business?

Go for it full force, pour your heart and soul into what you do and watch how it serves you. “It’s okay to not be great when you start, but start so that you can be great” once said a wise person. Nothing in life comes easy, therefore be teachable, be willing to learn new skills, have no limits to your ambition. It’s easy to feel intimidated by other women in business because we often second guess our own capability, instead look at other women as inspiration and healthy competition. Know that anything they do, you can do too. It does not take talent to be successful, it starts with a dream, a hunger to break out of old patterns. You may never be ready, that’s life! Ask yourself how much longer you will sit on the idea? Put it into action!

Q. 10. I’ve seen you post a lot about body positivity. What are three things you would tell someone who is struggling with loving themself?

I am still on my journey to being fully body positive, and I am proud of how far I’m coming. My advice to those who are struggling with self image is to be more conscious of how you speak to yourself. Our conversations in our head can be cruel. Turn “I look too big, or too small” into “This looks great on me, and i’m gonna be confident today.” Change the narrative, and claim your beauty. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made, crafted one a kind. That alone should make us feel on top of the world. Women are the most beautiful works of art, and we should protect and love ourselves the way we do with someone we love. 

Q. 11. Speaking of self love, hair is definitely a big part of a lot of women’s confidence – I know it is for me! I’ve seen you share some of your past struggles with hair damage on instagram. Can you share some tips with us for how you have been healing your hair?

I believe that hair is a blanket of confidence, and it’s important to prioritize your selfcare. I have struggled with the healthiness of my hair since I was young. In 2017 I was diagnosed with Trichitillomania which is a disorder where I pull my hair out due to stress, anxiety, and boredom which has led me to struggle with my own confidence. I made significant changes to my hair routine by switching my regimen to a cruelty free, vegan and non toxic brand. Through my experience of consistently sticking to one brand I can trust, I have found that my hair loss from the disorder has lessened significantly! It is fuller, thicker and healthier than ever, it makes me feel good to know there is a solution. 

Q. 12. When looking at your instagram and tick tock, the majority of comments I see are positive. I have definitely seen a lot of negative comments too, though. Some are from troll accounts, but others I have seen from people who you can tell would not consider themselves a “bully.” Can you tell us what you wish people knew about how their “just an opinion” comments do affect you?

It seems as though our generation is obsessed with outward validation, where one individual sees another individual attacking a creator, then everyone wants to chime in. ‘Cancel Culture’ is toxic and I have had my fair share of negative people online. In my experience it has caused some anxiety, in which I take a healthy break from other people’s noise. We are all human at the end of the day, with our own emotions, and feelings. We are not always going to agree with one another online, and we also can’t take the opinion of strangers too seriously. When people attack me or someone else I remind myself, confidence is quiet, but insecurity is loud as hell. 

Q. 13. What is one of your favorite “female empowerment” quotes?

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou.

This quote inspires me because it shows the power in unity, especially in the world we live in today. Women should rise up together, and make assertiveness and conviction a part of daily personal growth. 

Q. 14. Can you share with us three women who have inspired you?

It is almost difficult to think of three women who inspire me because everyday I look at other women, from all walks of life and feel empowered by their stories, and outcomes. Although some women who have had a significant impact on my life are my mother, who taught me tough love, and self sufficiency from a very young age, even in the darkest days, this woman is the definition of unshakable.

Clara Barton. I remember being young and compelled by this woman’s selflessness to help others during the civil war in the 1800’s. I hope to carry the same bravery, and heartfulness she did through my own life.

And Marylin Monroe, who was poised with divine, and natural femininity. She was a beautiful woman, who was hiding behind a broken society, in which we learned more about her struggles years later. 

Q. 15. I’ve heard a lot of people say that the topic of female equality is over. There have been a lot of strides made for us, sure. But, there are definitely still a lot of ways women have to continue to work doubly hard to compete in the business world, as well as protect themselves from public judgement types that men do not face. What is something you hope to see for women in the future?

I believe that we as women have come very far; and with that, we are also our own biggest competitors and critics. Our current society claims women empowerment, and acceptance for all, although it’s still something lacking in my own raw and honest perspective. I have been judged and talked down on throughout my journey in business, and see it still happening to other women. It is when we learn to have more conviction in what we do, understand that other women are not our competitors, rather teachers, and have more compassion for others’ differences, then we can fully unify as a whole, despite the background noise. Therefore, with practice and consistently working on our own hearts, all of that noise can be tuned out, and I believe that wholeheartedly. 

Something I love about Leah is how much I see her supporting and cheering on other women on social media. She is definitely a girl’s girl. 💯 If you would like to learn more about Leah, click here for her instagram and you can find her on tick tock at @spicysicilianmami.

Thank you for reading!

XO,

Mikéla