Lee Lee shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lee, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m definitely walking my path. I feel spiritually connected to what I do for a living and chosen to live a creative life. My work is a reflection of my inner world, not in a way that consumes me, but in a way that lets me share visions, build community, and live in alignment.
I’m in tune with my clients and know how to translate ideas into branding that feels alive. I’m brave enough to share my own experiences through art, and I love using my light to inspire others. I wasn’t always comfortable being seen, but now, in my thirties, I’ve stepped into myself fully. I don’t shrink anymore.
My path is filled with authenticity, good energy, and purpose. I know I’m right on time and exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashley Miah artistically known as Lee Lee, a multidisciplinary artist, creative director, and community builder based in New York City. I’m a woman of mixed Caribbean descent, I am bold, spiritual, urban, and soft. I’m many things at once, an artist of lived experience and everything I create is rooted in authenticity and purpose.
I co-founded The Culture Candy, an arts organization that supported over 500 New York City creatives and small businesses. Today, I continue that mission by building brand communities and serving as the creative director at Vibe Fitness, where I blend storytelling, design, and strategy to shape wellness-driven experiences.
At my core, I’m an artist. I’m currently shifting my practice to release seasonal collections of work that include both physical paintings and wearable art prints. Each drop is a reflection of identity, expression, and the world I move through, created to connect and inspire.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A part of me that has served its purpose is the version of myself that dimmed my light to make others comfortable. The part that people-pleased, over-explained, or made herself smaller in hopes of being accepted or understood. That version of me helped me survive, helped me build connections, and taught me empathy, but she’s no longer who I need to be.
To grow, I’ve had to release the habit of shrinking and step fully into the space I know I’m meant to take up. I’m here to be seen, to share my truth through art and creativity, and to lead by example. In letting go of that old version of myself, I make more room for my power and give other women permission to do the same.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. I was burnt out in every way, mentally, emotionally, and creatively. I had poured so much of myself into what I was building that I lost my own center. For a while, I questioned if I was even meant to keep going.
But I’ve learned that rest is part of the work. Taking a step back isn’t failure, it’s a form of wisdom. I started giving myself permission to pause, to breathe, and to find balance. I realized you can still move forward, even if it’s at a slower pace. Small steps with intention still lead somewhere. Choosing care over constant output is what has allowed me to stay committed to my purpose.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
It used to be a more curated version of me, mostly the highlights, the polished parts I thought people wanted to see. But stepping into my 30s has been a shift. Now, the public version of me is fully myself. I’m not interested in pretending or performing. I show up as I am, with depth, softness, strength, and truth. That realness connects more than perfection ever could.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace somewhere between doing nothing and doing everything. In the quiet, ideas come to me. Visions form. There’s a flow state where I feel deeply connected, when I’m creating, building, or simply allowing inspiration to move through me. I find peace in the process, but also in the purpose. When I’m sharing my art, building something meaningful, or imagining the joy it will bring others, that’s when I feel aligned, present, and fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LeeleelaCubana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeleelacubana?igsh=MXM3ODJqeTJvMWw2Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-amber-miah-ba6282195?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
