Meet Alexis Leaks | Owner of ICU Photo Experience/Casting Professional/Entertainment Specialist

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

Hi Alexis, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My background has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today, particularly in how I approach creativity, business, and connecting with others. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, as the youngest and only girl with two older brothers, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in. My thoughts and ideas always seemed different, and at times, I struggled to make my voice heard. This sense of being the “odd one out” didn’t discourage me, though. Instead, it pushed me to explore who I was and where I belonged.

During my tween to teen years, the internet opened my eyes to communities I never knew existed. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone in my interests. I found people who shared my passion for pop culture, entertainment, and fashion. Little Lex would rush home from school to catch the latest episode of Pretty Little Liars or watch the newest music video from my favorite group, Little Mix. These experiences helped shape my identity as someone who not only loved media but saw its potential to connect people.

As I grew older, my love for film and television only deepened. I became the person in my friend group who recorded every special moment, always eager to capture memories for later. This passion led me to Grady High School, where I pursued an audiovisual pathway, further cementing my interest in storytelling through media. After high school, I attended Full Sail University, majoring in Film Studies. There, I gained hands-on experience working on independent short films, which gave me a practical understanding of the entertainment industry. After graduating, I began navigating the real world of entertainment, always driven by the desire to help people feel seen and heard, a value I hold dear because I know firsthand what it’s like to feel invisible.

In addition to shaping my creative side, my background influenced my business sense. My father always emphasized the importance of making smart financial decisions, whether through investing or starting a business. I used to tag along on house tours with my parents, learning what made for a good investment, and even in college, I’d call my dad for stock advice. My mom, with her creative eye, was my go-to for anything that involved transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. Their guidance gave me a solid foundation to balance creativity with financial savvy, which has been essential in my entrepreneurial ventures.

One of the most significant ways my entertainment background has shaped me is by leading me to create ICU Photo Experience, my 360 photo booth company. I took my passion for capturing moments and turned it into a business that allows others to create their own memorable experiences. My love for entertainment and my background in film inspired me to focus on immersive storytelling, and ICU Photo Experience became the perfect fusion of my creative and business-minded approaches. It’s another way I can help people feel seen, giving them a platform to celebrate their moments in a fun, interactive way.

Altogether, my background has shaped me into someone who values creativity, connection, and smart decision-making. From the lessons I learned as a child, to my education, to the creation of my own business, I have always been driven by the need to tell stories and bring people together. Whether through film, photography, or business, my goal is always to create something meaningful and lasting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work and career are a reflection of my passion for entertainment and entrepreneurship. I’m an Entertainment Professional and Business Owner, and my journey has been anything but linear. In entertainment, I’ve worn many hats depending on the needs of the job, but my heart has always been drawn to the Casting Department. For the past four years, I’ve specialized in Extras Casting, working on projects for Tyler Perry, Sony Pictures, and The Showtime Network. Casting, for me, is more than just filling roles—it’s about finding the right energy and personalities that bring the story to life, even in the background. It’s an intricate process that requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

When I’m not focused on casting, I step into various roles on set, including Production Assistant, Audience Coordinator, and Script Supervisor. Each role comes with its own set of challenges and learning opportunities. As a Production Assistant, I’ve gained insight into the organizational side of filmmaking, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. As an Audience Coordinator, I’ve learned the importance of crowd management and the dynamics of live shows. As a Script Supervisor, I’ve sharpened my attention to continuity, ensuring each scene stays consistent. Each role has deepened my understanding of the production process and made me a more versatile professional.

Outside of my work in entertainment, I also run my own business, ICU Photo Experience, which offers a 360-degree immersive photo booth experience for events. ICU Photo Experience is my creative outlet that merges entertainment with entrepreneurship. It allows me to bring a unique, interactive element to events, giving people a memorable experience that captures special moments. Running a business while working in film can be tough because both industries demand a lot of time and energy. The film world often requires long 12-hour days over months of shooting, so I’ve had to become an expert at time management and prioritization. If I have any downtime during filming, I usually answer emails, reach out to venues, manage social media for ICU, or engage in business groups to expand my knowledge and connect with people who can help me grow my business.

What keeps me motivated through the hustle is knowing that both my career in entertainment and my business are built on creativity and connection. Whether I’m casting background actors or creating an immersive event experience, I’m driven by the desire to help people feel seen and celebrated.

On top of my work in entertainment and my business, I’m also working on building my brand as a new influencer. I love sharing my interests in pop culture, fashion, and entertainment, and I’m constantly finding new ways to connect with others who share similar passions. I want to inspire people who feel different or unsure of themselves to embrace their uniqueness and take bold steps in life. My journey has taught me that it’s okay to feel scared, and sometimes, the scariest steps lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

In short, my career is a blend of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Whether I’m casting for a new project, managing ICU Photo Experience, or developing my brand, I’m always moving forward intending to create meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s a cleaner version:

As a native Atlantan, it’s tough to pick just a few, but here are some spots I regularly visit:

1. **Breakfast Boys** – In College Park
2. **Rock Steady**
3. **The Works Atlanta** – A fantastic food hall with plenty of great options
4. **Breakpad** – A chill weekend hangout in College Park
5. **Woody’s Philly Cheesesteak** – Across from Midtown High School (formerly Grady High). As an alum (Class of 2016), it’s a nostalgic favorite.

**Fun Spots I Love:**

1. **Beat The Bomb** – A great icebreaker with friends or family. We took my dad for his birthday, and he had a blast!
2. **Starlight Drive-In** – Probably my most frequented spot
3. **Drake Field** – A beautiful lake in Peachtree City, one of the best in Georgia
4. **MJQ and Backstage** – Two clubs where real dancing happens—you’ll work up a sweat!
5. **Roof at Ponce City Market** – I love the games and drinks on their rooftop.

haha this was hard to narrow down

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When it comes to the people who deserve recognition for where I am today, my family is at the top of the list. My parents, Leticia and Greg Leaks have been my biggest supporters. My dad, Greg, has taught me how to make tough decisions. His steady guidance has always pushed me to think critically and take charge when life throws difficult choices my way. He’s the reason I’ve learned how to navigate challenges with confidence, knowing that even in uncertain moments, I’m capable of making the right calls.

My mom, Leticia, is the driving force behind who I am as a woman. She has shaped so much of my strength, creativity, and sense of self. Watching her turn the ordinary into something extraordinary has been an endless source of inspiration. But more than that, she’s shown me what it means to be a woman who stands firm in her values, embraces her uniqueness, and uses her voice unapologetically. My mom’s influence touches every part of who I am, both personally and professionally.

My brothers, Hughston and Jordan Leaks, also deserve a lot of recognition. Growing up as the youngest and only girl, I had to learn early on how to hold my own, and my brothers played a big role in that. They constantly pushed me to be confident and stand firm in my decisions. Their support has given me the strength to navigate the world around me.

In addition to my family, I have to give credit to my mentors and bosses in the entertainment world. Their guidance and belief in me have shaped my career in more ways than I can count. They’ve provided me with opportunities that have helped me grow and pushed me to excel in every role I’ve taken on. Whether I was working in extra casting, as a Production Assistant, or in any other position, my mentors were always there to offer advice, encouragement, and sometimes tough love when needed. They’ve shown me the ropes of an industry that can be both exhilarating and demanding, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.

My friends also play a huge role in my life. They help me unwind and remind me to live in the moment. In an industry that’s constantly moving, they’re the ones who help me press pause, have a good time, and appreciate the small things in life. Their energy keeps me grounded, and their support keeps me going.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without my faith in God. My faith is the foundation that keeps me grounded and focused on my purpose. It has carried me through the tough times, guiding me when I’ve felt uncertain and reminding me that there’s a greater plan at work. My faith gives me the strength to face challenges head-on and stay true to my vision.

In the end, my journey has been shaped by a strong support system—my family, friends, mentors, and my faith. Their unwavering belief in me has allowed me to pursue my passions and build a career that I am proud of.

Website: https://icuphotoexperience.com/

Instagram: @alexisnoelle47 and @icuphotoexperience

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-leaks

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/icu-photo-experience-atlanta

Other: TikTok: @livinwithlex00 & @icuphotobooth

Image Credits
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
Leticia Leaks
Gregory Leaks
Hughston Leaks
Jordan Leaks
Hampton University Alumni Blueteenth
City Winery
Alexis Leaks