Leslie Schneider

Give her a follow and say hello!

1. Tell me a little bit about you, who is Leslie outside of work?

You can either find me on a flight heading to my next adventure or cuddling with my cat on the sofa binge watching The Office for the millionth time. I love flea markets and finding amazing vintage gems. I studied fine art in college and am recently getting back into painting. I have a background in styling and wardrobe - fashion is a big influence in my life. Since Covid and not being able to travel I have developed a love for cooking and being in the kitchen. I baked bread for the first time not too long ago and it might be my greatest accomplishment ever.

2. What do you do for work?

In the short of it, I am a creative developer. Basically, I wear many hats: art director, stylist, photographer, etc. I work with various brands and venues to create visuals that appeal to a wide range audience on social media platforms, some of which you can see on my Instagram.

3. As a female and creative entrepreneur, what are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced within your industry / the workplace?

Being an independent freelancer I don't experience too many obstacles as I primarily work for myself and do not have anyone to report to. I am lucky in that sense. Before becoming freelance, I was a full time stylist and 99.9% of my clients identify as female. But I have to say, identifying as female in any industry will have challenges. I remember being a student (I studied fine art in college) and having difficulties being taken seriously from professors. I thought for a long time it was because I was blonde and didn’t fit the mold of an “art major”, but looking back I’m realizing being female I had to prove myself in ways my fellow male students didn’t have to.

4. What women in your life inspire you and why?

I am lucky to have a long list of women in my life that inspire me. My mom will always be up there. Her influence sparked my love for style, fashion, and thrifting. There’s only one person that loves flea markets more than myself and that is her. She has great taste. My girlfriends are constantly inspiring me. They are the strongest females I know and I am a better person because of them.

5. What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a new life direction -- whether that be moving to a new city, pursuing a new career path, starting a side hustle or choosing a new major in school?

Do it. Find someone, a mentor, or a support system to help be your sounding board when you transition into “newness”. It will be equally exciting and scary but don’t let the “scary” stop you from pursuing what you love. (I’m also speaking to myself in this respect). I read something last week that resonated with me… “One scary moment can lead to a multitude of happiness.”

6. How do you balance a job, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

Goodness. Balance is NOT easy! Before the pandemic I would travel for various jobs and gigs. Travel is something I love doing most in this world but I had a hard time “enjoying” it because my “work brain” took over and I found myself in a mental “all work no play” mindset. It took practice to really be able to travel for “work and play” and letting myself enjoy the surroundings. Balance, balance, balance. It will always be something I work on, but I am much better about it now than when I first started as a freelancer.

7. What are some ways you implement self-care?

Does alcohol count? Ha! I honestly suck at self care. It’s an area in my life I could be better at. I love sipping a nightcap at the end of the day to wind down but I know that probably doesn’t count. I’d love to take more time to turn off devices and read more, maybe take a bubble bath once in a while. Self care is something I definitely want to work on this year.

8. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders, movers and shakers?

Don’t apologize for making moves, doing what you love, or pursuing your passions. We as women are quick to be apologetic for literally EVERYTHING. When you want something - go for it and you don’t have to justify your decisions to anyone or apologize for going after your dreams.

If you don’t have a clear “dream”, that’s ok. Pursue what you love and sometimes the “dream” will find you within your passion.

Choose kindness.

9. How can women advocate for each other?

I think people underestimate the power of “checking in”. A simple text or email to ask how one is doing or asking in what ways do they need support can really make one feel advocated. Check in on your fellow women. There is a lot of beauty that can come from it.

10. What is your power color and why?

100% yellow! It is an optimistic color and wearing it makes me feel more confident and positive.

11. What is your female anthem – the song that hypes you up and makes you feel like a girl boss and that you can take on anything in the world?

Anything by Lady Gaga. The confidence in her voice and music is contagious, I’m definitely a fan, so much so, I named my cat “Kitty Gaga”. She is purrfect.

Portrait illustrations are by Hailey Coral.

WOMEN ARE MAGIC | Leslie Schneider