Conversations with Leah Justine

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

Hi Leah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Singing has always been my outlet and the best way I’ve processed emotions and life. I started performing on stage when I was cast as Mr. McGregor in our Kindergarten play. Musical theater played a huge role in my life from there through college and into my early twenties, where I performed on regional stages. One year, I had a calling to return to country music. For a long time, I repressed my true dream of becoming a recording artist and singing my music because I was uncertain “how” to make that dream come true. It took me creating space for that dream to become a reality for the next phase of my singing career to take shape. I could never have foreseen or planned out my life’s path, either! The Federal Government was furloughed for one year, and I had 3 weeks without my 9-5 Project Management job. I couldn’t go on vacation or leave the area where I lived because we could be called back to work at any given moment. So I spent that time reconnecting with people who lived close by that I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I had lunch with my childhood voice coach and told him that I wanted to make a move from theater to country music and that I wanted to sing with a live band. About 4 months later, he called me and said a man came in looking for a female vocalist to front his country band. I auditioned and got the gig. About two years later, I had my first opportunity to record my original music!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has not been linear or smooth–but I’ve never really heard of a journey that is! The hardest lessons I’ve had to learn were all related to inner work. I didn’t realize how many limiting beliefs I was telling myself were holding me back subconsciously. Situations have made me confront myself, my confidence, and my belief in my talents and gifts. Understanding where some of these negative beliefs have come from and doing the work to disown and dis-prove those beliefs while creating new ones have been the biggest struggle with the greatest rewards.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an Industrial & Systems Engineer by degree, a Project & Program Manager by day, and a Singer/ Performer at my core. I’m known for being energetic, getting things done, and being relentless in pursuing my dreams. I believe we can create the life we love if we live authentically and with intention.

What was you like growing up?
I attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade, where I was blessed with many opportunities academically and musically. I grew up on Disney movies and loved singing, dancing, and imagining. I loved math and science, which led me to pursue engineering when I attended the University of Southern California on a full academic scholarship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leahjustine.com
• Instagram: @LeahJustineMusic
• Facebook: LeahJustineMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWUho-Eu0heMl3lbujwDPkw

Image Credits
Todd Hobert Photography, April Santo-Domingo, Brad Harper