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

Hi Rashada, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Dothan, AL, a small metro area southeast of Montgomery. We lived in the Johnson Homes housing projects up until my brother and I were in the 4th grade. My mom made the single most important decision that changed the trajectory of our lives, when she moved us to Pensacola, FL to work at my grandfather’s newspaper.

My grandfather was born to be an entrepreneur and throughout my mom’s childhood, he always owned different businesses. I watched my mom learn the ropes from my grandfather’s business and take those skills back to Dothan when I was in 8th grade. She started her own print/newspaper publication and that was my first time understanding what it meant to be an entrepreneur.

It was in those moments of watching her in the office and seeing how she took control of her life and career that served as my inspiration. Who I am today was shaped 100% by the courage and strength that I saw in my mom. I learned how to be bold, but also thoughtful. I learned how to be outspoken, but also to listen. What I learned the most was how it’s not about where you start, but how you finish. The moment my mom had to move us into the projects to make sure we had a roof over our heads, society had counted us out. As a young, Black single mother I can’t imagine the pressure and fears she faced. I often think about that and I use it as motivation to drive my success. I truly believe there isn’t anything that I can’t do or accomplish.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m currently running two businesses:

LRY Media Group (LRY) is a solutions-based agency committed to helping our clients stay connected to the communities they love, represent and serve. Now more than ever, our mission is to bring our clients closer to their audiences through curated, strategic and innovative experiences that energize and unite us all. Our services include:
-Community, Social and Communications Planning
-PR, Social Content Creation, Marketing and Branding
-Advertising, Media Planning and Buying
-Graphic, Print Production and Video Production
-Live, Hybrid and Virtual Event Experiences
To learn more about us visit www.lrymediagroup.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ lrymediagroup,

My second business is an earring line called lōb that was launched in February 2021. lōb is jewelry made for the modern woman. This jewelry line has been a dream of mine since graduating from college. I’ve always loved fashion and bold earpieces. Each lōb earring is an invitation to a new experience. Each pair has a journey that spans from Africa to Alabama and is carefully crafted and inspired by the people, the music, the movement, and above all the women who have shaped and impacted the way that I live my life. lōb is for the authentic woman who makes a statement when she enters the room and no matter what she has on her plate. You can always catch me arriving at an event or meeting rocking a dope pair of earrings. A lōb piece is an adventure, a tribute to how the modern woman explores the world with confidence, being unapologetic and living by her own rules.
To shop lōb, visit www.lobjewelry.com and FB and IG @ lobjewerly

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m located in Birmingham, AL. We would start our day with Brunch at Michaels Parkside. (https://www.michaelssteakandseafood.com).

From there, we would visit the Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum, a gem in our city highlighting the history and contributions of Negro League Baseball Players. (https://www.birminghamnslm.org)

Of course, from there we would do some shopping in downtown Homewood.

Now with all of that, we need a wine break! So we would head to the Wine Loft. (https://wineloftbham.com).

By this time, I’m sure we are ready to eat dinner! My favorite dinner spot in the city is Bottega. (https://bottegarestaurant.com)

After dinner, no doubt we would go to Atomic Bar! Shout out to the owners Feizal and Rachel! (http://www.theatomiclounge.com/homepage)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my mom, Angelena! Shoutout to my aunt, Katherine who is my number one fan!
Shoutout to my grandmother, Ruby, who without her support, I absolutely wouldn’t be able to do what I do today!
Shoutout to my brother, Alex, who at times is my bodyguard, my assistant, my driver and will hold my purse at any moment! My brothers Toreano, Ivan, and my sisters Rosie and Lakievia!
Shoutout to my entire family, my aunt’s Ameena, Lisa, and Clara, my uncle’s Wali and Farrad, my cousins, Nachelle and Airiel, and everyone in my family who ride for me no matter what!
Shoutout to my circles for life, Latoya, Civita, Tiffany, Betty and the Collective!
Lastly, shoutout to my entire LRY Media Group and lōb team! They really are the rockstars of this story!

Website: www.lrymediagroup.com and www.lobjewelry.com

Instagram: lrymediagroup and lob jewelry

Linkedin: Rashada LeRoy

Facebook: lrymediagroup and lob jewelry

Image Credits
Photos by Mykeon Smith and Marika Gray

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