Meet Jaylin Leslie | Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaylin Leslie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaylin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I was a very observant child. I would spend the weekends with my grandfather. He was an artist. He carved wood, and he was into photography. I remember being so captivated by his art and abilities that influenced me. When I was in the sixth grade, I auditioned for the little mermaid, and I got the lead role as Ariel. I remember painting a picture in my art class junior year. It was challenging for me. My teacher had to encourage me to finish, but it ended up being in the art show. My grandma used to sew dresses, she was a seamstress, both of my great grandmothers, so I think it was my destiny. I remember coding when I was younger, back during the Tumblr days, and that exposure helped cultivate my love for art; and my desire to live in NYC. As I continue to grow older, I realize that the message for the youth is that adults do not have dreams and cannot dream. I need to be a lighthouse for creativity. I consider myself a child who survived. Sometimes I am adaptable, and I need to be reserved, but as an artist, I don’t need to be anything other than myself, and that’s truthful. It’s work that’s liberating and accepting. Nobody has to understand it but you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am still in the process of cultivating my career. I am working to become a creative director, but my life’s mission is my nonprofit, where I mentor young girls and aid in their personal development and mentorship. What sets me apart from others is my identity. I am aware that there is no one like me, and there will never be anyone like me, and I use that to my advantage. I love creating, and I encourage others to do the same. Reflecting on my life at this point, none of it is easy. The hard part is always becoming, unlearning, healing, and learning again. I’ve overcome a lot by being resourceful. The greatest lesson that I’ve learned along the way was to trust myself the first time and never change who I am for anyone. Also patience, I’m learning that patience is a virtue. I understand the importance of the journey and the process of becoming. If nothing else, I would want the world to know that me, my brand, and my story are authentic. Know that I am truthful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend visited my city, I would take them to all the art museums, and hopefully, we can catch a play. I am into theatre now. I would take them to eat at Katch the Kitchen, Prime, Jets pizza, and 13th street alley. I would take them to my favorite book store, Smith and Hannon, to meet Ms. Joyce. I like Nostalgia bar and lounge. It’s one of the classiest and culturally inclusive bars. Haarths bar is nice too; they have a live jazz band. I’ve discovered some of the most intriguing people near the inner city by Lytle Park Hotel. I would also take them to visit some of the parks in the city. My city has some beautiful woodlands featuring breathtaking views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would like to thank God. I realize how he’s kept me, and being gifted can sometimes come at a cost, from opportunist to life’s cruelty. I realized that not every gift is for me to pursue but for sharing with others. I’m grateful for discernment, and I am thankful for everyone he has sent in my life along the way to help aid in his plan for me. Whether it’s for a season or a lifetime, I’m thankful that God has always provided for me. I would also like to give a shoutout to my mom. She always encouraged me to write. I developed a strong sense of self because of it. I was self-aware very early on in my life, and then I wrote my first book at twenty. She also encouraged me to pursue my dreams as a fashion designer. My dad instilled a lot of wisdom in me, and he taught me street smarts when I was younger. My grandma encouraged my creative expressions early on by supporting my fashion expressions. I am thankful for my family. They keep me humble and grounded.

Other: email: jaylinlesliewrites@gmail.com