Rising Stars: Meet Laleeta “Leelee” Lawrence of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laleeta “Leelee” Lawrence

Hi Leelee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I always knew I would be an entrepreneur. When asked what I wanted to be, I always answered “A successful multi-business owner.”
Eventually, down the line I found myself stuck living in survival mode. I became so caught up in surviving the day-to-day that I forgot to live for myself. I forgot who I was and what I am capable of. It’s crazy to say, but severe depression pushed me back into following my dreams. One day I told myself “I can either continue to let this be my perception of reality or I can become the woman of my dreams.” After that, I did a lot of introspection and became very intentional with my time.
4 years later, I’ve traveled across North America modeling and doing Runway fashion shows such as New York Fashion Week, and more! I started my adult toy business, ‘LEE’s Playhouse’, conducting dropshipping and wholesale. I started my business, ‘Branding Legacy’, doing business coaching, and website and digital designs. I also partnered my insurance business with a top financial services provider, helping others get into entrepreneurship and families become secure in more ways than one! Now I’m enrolled in school working towards a PhD in Psychology.
I have so much further to go, but I had to realize my goals were not out of my reach! There’s no point in betting on yourself if you’re not going to believe in yourself, and every day I wake up to show myself that I’m capable of greatness.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy at all… fun, but not easy. I’ve had many ups and downs since starting. Honestly, when I first began, I didn’t feel ready at all. I wanted everything to be perfect, to know everything and have everything figured out. My launch dates would change, because I would always find something else that needed to be worked on. Chasing perfection led to a lot of procrastination, something I’m still struggling with today. I always thought I needed a mentor, or someone to guide me and provide me with the answers I needed. Along with lots of learning and research, I had to start trusting my gut. It scared me at first, but it also led to much introspection.
While figuring out how to properly construct a business, marketing, taxes, branding, self-branding, etc.
Anyone who has experienced true growth knows that it is uncomfortable.
Entrepreneurship calls for you to be out of your comfort zone continuously, which can be a struggle. Being an introvert and networking still makes my stomach turn lol. It was something I thought I could avoid thinking that the support from those around me would be enough. Unfortunately, I expected way more support than what I received. That has probably been the biggest hurdle for me. I believed the people around me would be my first clients/customers, they’d give me likes, shares, and referrals. Lack of support can be very discouraging. But I thought “There’s no point in betting on yourself if you not going believe in yourself.“ So I kept going, and God has continued to provide.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My first business was LEE’s Playhouse. I started LEE’s Playhouse to help women build their self confidence and to help couples get a little “razzle dazzle” in the bedroom. I started out selling adult toys and lingerie, and now I drop ship and wholesale a wide range of categories and over 7,000 products. Having my products in a warehouse based out of LA instead of China really helped progress my business.

I began my modeling career doing runway shows in Nashville,TN. I was invited to do a huge show in Las Vegas and I’ve been modeling state to state since. The biggest and proudest moment of my modeling career was being invited to compete for Miss Tennessee USA.

I started my business Branding Legacy because I found myself helping lots of others with their entrepreneurial ventures. I decided to put all the information I had into ebooks, coaching sessions, and branding packages. Starting out I was making complete websites, logos, flyers, menus, and spending hours teaching all for free, because I didn’t think I was qualified enough to charge people for stuff I learned on my own. It didn’t take long for me to realize I had to stop giving away my time, and I’ve had repeat and expanding clientele ever since.

Building my insurance and financial service business has been the toughest, yet the most rewarding. First it was the studying and testing to obtain the licenses I needed. Then it was the emotional impact that comes with the job. I’m literally protecting families and changing lives for the better everyday. And the cherry on top for me is that I get to put people in the position to do the same and become their own boss.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe sex will always sell. I don’t see the industry slowing down any time soon. I’ve continually expanded LEE’s Playhouse; selling a wider range of toys, dolls, games, men & women’s loungewear, bachelorette items, condoms, and so much more! I’m exited for the rebrand I have coming for LEE’s Playhouse and where I plan on taking things!

AI makes me nervous for the modeling industry lol. I’ve started seeing more Hologram models at fashion shows, and AI produced modeling content. But I love modeling and I don’t plan on slowing down.

Insurance and investing are both crucial for everyone’s life. I only see both industries growing, especially since my team and I are here to educate people on how to do them correctly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelaleetalashay.my.canva.site/laleetal
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufoundleelee_