Art & Life with Leah Brawley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Brawley.

Leah, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As a child, I was always into the arts. More specifically, music, dance, and writing, and acting. Anything that allowed me to be creative and expressive. My grandfather really influenced me. He was a musician and later on became a pastor. I watched him play several different instruments such as the drums, the keyboard, the piano, etc. I watched him create songs, and I really looked up to him.

I was a very shy child but in this imagination of mine were lyrics, choreography, and much more. I was always told that I was very animated and should pursue acting, though I did not take it up when I was younger.

In high school, I danced, and I stepped, and that opened me up to really show my personality. It wasn’t until I moved to Houston and became a student at U of H, where I began to really tap into my gifts. I started making bracelets to earn me some extra money while in college, and I also helped to start a dance group called the Royal Diamonds. That would lead me to dancing backup for some local artists and becoming a better dancer period.

After I graduated I moved back to Dallas I was able to tap more into my choreographic side.

Fast forward to the present; I recently moved to Atlanta to pursue my dreams and I am still making bracelets that I sell via my Facebook and IG.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I choreograph, write, and make jewelry. I’m the definition of the famous phrase “triple threat.” As a choreographer, I’m very big on hip hop and jazz, which I absolutely love. As far as a jewelry maker, I make bracelets by hand, and each piece is crafted with the hopes of making someone else feel fashionable and like they just got their swagger back. As a writer, I write scripts and poems. I have several notebooks where I can spill my thoughts and feelings on paper. With each piece that you see, read, or wear from me I hope that I can inspire others to take a step out of their comfort zone and tap into whatever it is that makes them happy, bring relief, and hopefully bring them compensation for it.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think conditions for artists are easier in some ways due to the rise of social media usage. You can post something you create and share it with others in a matter of minutes. For anything, likes and views can bring potential customers, references, and opportunities.

Dallas has really grown to be the type of city where artists can express themselves and create their own lane. There are several different areas in the city where you can drive through and see beautiful graffiti and painting which really enhance the buildings and landscape.

So many people are hosting festivals and talent shows to really show musical talent in the city. You can find producers, videographers, photographers, choreographers, hair stylists, estheticians, just about everything you need to thrive!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my choreography and some of the sets I have worked on recently on my YouTube page, just type in my full name Leah Brawley, and my page comes up. Also, follow on Instagram @Leah.Antoinette and @Ree_By_LeahB for my jewelry.

Contact Info:

• Email: la.brawley@gmail.com
• Instagram: Leah.Antoinette

Image Credit:
Torrence Anderson

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