Life & Work with LeAndra Crystal

Today we’d like to introduce you to LeAndra Crystal

Hi LeAndra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story as an artist begins at age 3 when I first picked up a pencil and started drawing seriously. Art was always a way for me to make sense of the world and express what words sometimes couldn’t. By high school, I was painting canvases, walls, and even doors. I competed in art competitions, and my creative path became more defined.

But my journey wasn’t linear. Like many artists, I was told that the “starving artist” life was inevitable. That message weighed on me when I decided to change my major to art in college. There were doubts — from family, from loved ones, and even from myself at times. But I persisted. At Fisk University, I had the privilege of being surrounded by professors and mentors who nurtured my craft and challenged me to think beyond the canvas.

My practice grew from traditional drawing and painting into larger public art and murals. I saw how murals could transform not just physical spaces, but emotional ones too. Projects like the Food Waste Mural with Urban Green Labs and the Women’s History Mural with Creative Girls Rock taught me how art can shift conversations and bring communities together. Creating my Goddess Mural for the Deep Tropics Festival felt like a divine affirmation of my purpose — that my work is meant to be seen, celebrated, and felt.

Over time, I realized I didn’t have to conform to the “struggling artist” narrative. I learned how to position myself for grants, residencies, and collaborative opportunities. I also realized that my art could serve as a healing tool, especially for communities of color where mental health conversations are often overlooked. That realization inspired me to create Vibe & Release, a collaborative paint-throwing experience where people use art as a form of stress release and community connection.

Today, I’m a multidisciplinary artist, writer, actor, dancer, and therapeutic art life coach. I create murals, public art, and gallery work that challenge narratives about mental health, identity, and representation. My practice is expansive, reflecting the belief that storytelling can happen on the stage, the canvas, the page, or even in the body. I also co-founded a property management company with my mother, where we provide corporate and student housing — a nod to legacy-building for my family and my community.

Every stage of my journey has been about growth, unlearning, and reclaiming. I’ve embraced being a multidisciplinary artist, allowing myself to explore new mediums and concepts. I’ve stopped trying to fit into narrow boxes of what an “artist” should be. My story is about liberation — for myself, my art, and the communities I serve.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not — but I believe that the struggles are where the growth happens. My journey as an artist has been anything but smooth, and I’ve learned to embrace that. One of the earliest challenges was unlearning the idea of the “starving artist.” For so long, I believed that struggle was just part of the artist’s path, that you had to suffer for your art. That belief was reinforced by loved ones who worried about my decision to change my major to art. They were coming from a place of love, but it added to my internal doubt. Over time, I realized that this narrative didn’t have to be my reality. There are grants, residencies, and organizations that truly value artists and their contributions. Once I understood that, I started advocating for myself in a whole new way — asking for fair pay, setting boundaries, and making sure my work was seen and valued.

Another challenge was learning how to balance my creative passions with my roles as a mother, caregiver, and business owner. I’m raising a son, supporting my parents, and running a business — all while maintaining my creative practice. It’s a lot to manage, and I’ve had to master the art of prioritization. There have been days where I’m painting a mural, responding to property management inquiries, and helping my child with his activities — all within the same 24 hours. It’s exhausting, but it’s also a reminder of my strength and capacity. I’ve had to be intentional about setting boundaries and giving myself grace when things aren’t “perfect.”

There were also moments of self-doubt, especially when taking on larger public art projects. Standing in front of a blank wall, knowing I’m about to create something that hundreds (or thousands) of people will see every day, can feel overwhelming. I had to push past perfectionism and trust the process. Projects like the Goddess Mural for the Deep Tropics Festival and the Food Waste Mural with Urban Green Labs taught me to lean into that discomfort. I realized that art, like life, is never about perfection — it’s about presence, intention, and heart.

A big part of overcoming self-doubt has also been silencing the intrusive thoughts of comparison. It’s so easy to look at another artist’s career and think, “Why am I not there yet?” or “Am I doing enough?” I had to remind myself that my path is uniquely mine, and that’s okay. Their success doesn’t take away from mine. I had to actively shift my mindset from comparison to celebration. Instead of seeing others and being hard on myself, I now see them as proof that it’s possible. There is enough space for all of us. This shift also taught me the importance of community and collaboration. I realized that none of us succeed alone. Some of my most rewarding projects have come through collaboration and partnership. The power of community is undeniable, and I’ve learned to embrace it, whether it’s working with other artists, mentoring others, or being in spaces where we can share resources and support each other. That change in perspective has brought more peace, confidence, and joy to my creative practice.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and therapeutic art life coach. My work spans murals, public art, fine art, mixed media, written forms, and performance-based creative experiences. At the heart of it all is storytelling. Whether I’m painting a mural, creating a textile-based mixed media piece, leading a therapeutic art session, or performing on stage, I’m always thinking about how to communicate emotion, perspective, and humanity. I specialize in immersive and thought-provoking art, as well as therapeutic art coaching that uses creative expression as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

I’m most known for my interactive and community-based art experiences, like the Vibe & Release event. It’s a collaborative paint-throwing experience where participants use art as a form of emotional release, all while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. I’m also known for my murals, like the Goddess Mural for the Deep Tropics Festival, and my role in public art initiatives like the Food Waste Mural with Urban Green Labs. People recognize my style for its vibrancy, clean lines, playful movement, and thoughtful concepts. I strive to create art that invites people in — to think, to feel, and to see themselves in the work. In addition to murals and public art, I’m also known for my fine art and mixed media work utilizing textiles, alcohol inks, and line to depict women. These works emphasize the beauty, strength, and interconnectedness of women, celebrating their individuality while also highlighting the common threads that bind us together.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my growth as a creator and as a leader. I’ve been able to move beyond the “starving artist” mindset and into a space where I see myself as a businesswoman, storyteller, and changemaker. I’m especially proud of the Vibe & Release event because it embodies everything I care about — healing, community, and creative liberation. Knowing that I’ve created a space where people can release stress and explore their emotions through art is incredibly rewarding. I’m also deeply proud of my upcoming collection, Woven Narratives: The Threads That Bind, which explores the interconnected stories and threads that define our shared experiences. This collection has been a labor of love, and it’s one of my most intentional and reflective bodies of work to date.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to blend disciplines and perspectives. I’m not bound by one medium or one way of creating. I’m equally at home prepping for a mural as I am guiding someone through a therapeutic art session. My lived experience as a mother, caregiver, and business owner gives me a layered perspective on art and its impact. I understand the importance of balance, empathy, and resilience, and that shows up in my work. I also have a deep appreciation for community and collaboration. I believe that some of the best work happens when we’re connected, not isolated. Whether I’m working with organizations, schools, or other artists, I’m constantly looking for ways to foster growth and mutual support.

Ultimately, my work is about connection — connection to self, to community, and to something larger than all of us. Through my art, I aim to tell stories that reflect our shared humanity and remind people that they are seen, valued, and worthy.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a naturally curious, imaginative, and creative child. I was always exploring new ways to express myself, whether it was drawing on every surface I could find, writing poetry, or performing skits with friends and family. I’ve always been a storyteller at heart, and that showed up in everything I did. I had a vivid imagination and a love for adventure. If there was a chance to create, I’d find it. I was also a bit of a perfectionist, which I’ve had to learn to release over the years.

Art was my happy place. I started seriously drawing at age 3 and never stopped. I’d draw characters, create imaginary worlds, and fill notebooks with sketches and ideas. My creativity wasn’t limited to visual art, though. I also loved to sing, dance, act, and write. I’d enter talent shows, act in school plays, and recite poetry for my classmates. I’ve always felt called to explore multiple creative outlets, and that’s a big part of why I’m a multidisciplinary artist today. In 4th grade, my first poem was published in the Charlotte Observer, which was a defining moment for me. Later in high school, my work was selected to be printed in poetic journals, which fueled my passion for storytelling through words. I went on to write more poems and monologues that I would perform as dramatic presentations or performances where I would incorporate a poetic monologue and interpretive dance in a theatrical delivery with full costume.

I’ve always had a deep sense of empathy and connection to others. I was the kid who wanted to make sure everyone felt included and valued. Looking back, I see how that spirit of connection influences my work today. My art is very much about community, shared experiences, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. I’ve carried that with me from childhood to adulthood, and it’s a guiding force in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.663mainfa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/663mainfa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/663MainFA/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@663mainfa