Meet Leisa Minor | Founder & CEO

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

Hi Leisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2017, I went through an extremely tumultuous divorce that ultimately ended in what could have been a fatal act of domestic violence. My ex opened fire on me as I sat in my car in our driveway. In a selfish act of cowardice, that was his solution to take our house away from me. The next year and a half was spent going back and forth to court. I saw countless women who were victims of domestic violence sit in the courtroom without any support. Many were alone, and had no idea what questions to ask or which resources to seek out. It became clear to me that the justice system was not set up to help the victims. Politics often took precedence over someone’s life. I had, and continue to have a very strong support system. I couldn’t have made it without them. Each time that I sat in the courtroom, going through my own worst nightmare, my heart went out to the women that were lost and alone. It was then that I decided to do something about it. Inspired by Pretty Girls was created to help be a resource to individuals trying to escape domestic violence. A portion of our proceeds go to assist domestic violence shelters in the local area. We have partnered with other domestic violence organizations to help spread the message.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Inspired by Pretty Girls brand is a collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories that displays positive and empowering messages of strength and survival. What sets us apart from others is that we are dedicated to give a portion of our proceeds to local domestic violence shelters so that they can provide much needed resources to the individuals that they serve. Building a brand and a business hasn’t been easy. I attribute my success to prayer and persistence. I have learned a few lessons along the way. I have learned that people will not always be as excited as you are about your business. That makes me work even harder to be successful. I still work a 9 to 5 everyday. I have been in my human services career for over 20 years. I love what I do, and helping people is a big part of my life. Through my journey, I have learned to take time for myself and find balance between work and play.

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.
The Atlanta area has countless activities to offer to visitors. If I wanted to show someone a great time, here are the places that we would go: Escorpion for authentic Tex Mex, St. James Live for live entertainment, Sweet Georgia Juke Joint for good food and live entertainment, Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar, The Blue Rose Cafe, the Apache Cafe, City Winery, MLK Center, the Civil Rights Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and Fellaship Cigar Bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to my mom (Grace Collins), my children ( Garrett and Zharia), MOTR (Moms On The Run), and everyone that has supported me through my journey, I couldn’t have made it without them.

Website: www.inspiredbyprettygirls.com
Instagram: @inspiredbyprettygirlceo
Facebook: Inspired by Pretty Girls

Image Credits
Zharia Minor