Meet Lesley Ortiz | Owner of L.W. Atelier Ltd. Co.
We had the good fortune of connecting with Lesley Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lesley, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was actually consulting on fashion as a hobby for some time. Then, a co-worker, in my previous career, came to me and said she thought I was very stylish and she asked me literally to “teach me your ways!”
I went to her house to organize her closet, built her 63 outfits from what she already had. When I finished, she gave me a card and a hug and cried saying I helped change her life! When I got home, there were several hundred dollar bills and a note saying I must turn my stylist hobby into a business. That became the validation and encouragement I needed to begin the process.
What should our readers know about your business?
My business is ownership of a consulting company. I primarily consult on Image consulting, but we also have a leadership and business branch. Support and quality service to others has always been my benchmark.
At the basic level, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, from childhood. I could give advice and sell anything. But, education and always soaking up knowledge helped me get where I am business wise. I had faith and combined with education, I understood that I could do anything, if I’m willing to execute. Education, experience, and faith only took me so far. Planning, motivation, execution, and audacity were the things that set me apart from others. I was willing to go the extra mile when others weren’t.
When things got tough, with lots of adversity or people saying I couldn’t do something, I let my faith kick in and I didn’t give up. When challenges come, I tend to face them head on and go through it. Similar to the Buffalo, who run through a storm, making it shorter to withstand. While other animals tend to try to run from the storm, which eventually catches them and they are in it longer.
I am a strategic planner and that has helped me figure out how to proceed through difficulties in work and life. Education helps you understand how to think, not necessarily what to think. It is up to us, to take what we learn and use it for ultimate good.
I’ve been through a lot in my life and it was a journey getting to ownership of my own business. That is why I have two Phoenix on my trademarked logo. I have been literally battle tested in life and come back from near death experiences with gratitude.
Our brand is here to uplift and help people be confidently their best self out in the world. We give, coach, and mentor so others can thrive.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually had one of my friends visit, who flew in from Japan for a week with me. I love Atlanta and all it has to offer, so it is fitting that I want to show my friends and acquaintances what makes Atlanta special.
I’m very partial to Midtown and Buckhead, because they are my neighborhoods. I always send a list of things on Google maps to my friends ahead geared towards their preferences.
I usually start with making sure my friends stay with me or have great accommodations. I recommend the St. Regis, The Whitley, or The Four Seasons.
Our days start with a breakfast or brunch. I make breakfast or take them to a local spot. I really like the vibe of Murphy’s, but Atlanta has tons of breakfast places to choose from. If they prefer to grab and go, we hit up Starbucks or The Chastain and jump in the car.
Day 1 is a driving tour of the neighborhoods and a walk on the Beltline. We will have a home cooked meal for dinner, if they are travel weary or eat at one of the city markets (Ponce, Krog, The Works, etc.).
Day 2-3 is zeroing in on things they decided they wanted to do from the list they reviewed ahead. The Atlanta History Center is a great way for someone to get to know Atlanta in a snapshot as well.
If it is the Holiday, we hit the Christkindl Market and the Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights. In the Summer, I take them to Jazz night at the High Museum and maybe a Festival or an event in Piedmont Park.
No trip is complete without a shopping day at Phipps, Lenox, Buckhead Village, Avalon, and West Side Provisions.
I like to close out a celebratory dinner on the last night at Chops or Rumi’s Kitchen.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course, I would say my family played a role in the type of person I became.
But, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my service in the military, which had a huge role in shaping any level of success I have as a leader and entrepreneur. I honed my skills and learned vital lessons in the military through experience and continued education. I am extremely grateful for everything I gained from service. Everything from the importance of leadership, values, and character to learning to be resilient, brave, bold, and ethical. Learning to manage change effectively was critical as well.
Website: https://www.lwatelier.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.w.atelier/profilecard/?igsh=aXN3bjZueXZwbjNo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F4eryM98Z/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lwa777?si=COagU8_YM2vty6yb
Image Credits
Josh Fries
Christina Michelle
Dennis Ortiz, II
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