We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leandrea Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Leandrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

There was a woman who was a small business owner and author whom I met through social media back in 2009. She heard my story of how I tried to attend graduate school and get my masters but with a turn of events had to withdraw to care for my mother. I then started creating art, jewelry and working on my first full length book of poetry. I was given the opportunity to share my works publicly at a local open mic as a vendor, however I didn’t have a website. This woman out of the kindness of her heart who I didn’t truly personally know paid for a full year subscription for me to have a website on the site of my choosing. To this day I still own the domain. www.luvleeh.com. Because of her, I returned the same love years later to another creative entrepreneur and purchased their site for them. It taught me that even strangers will believe in You if you believe in yourself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a poet by nature. It is the core of my being to write and perform poetry. Over the years, I discovered that visual art is also poetry. My first art collection is called Unspoken Words. When I couldn’t express through poetry I painted. I started poetry in middle school, but always had a love for writing prior to then. I wrote my first non published book at 7 years old. I later made it a play. Fast forward to college, Elizabeth City State University where I majored in English, but took creative arts electives. Here is where I discovered my love of making jewelry. I found joy in upcycling vintage jewelry from my mother and grandmother. I inherited my great grandmother’s crochet and sewing supplies and had no clue what to do with them- so I made jewelry out of buttons. As time progressed, I went to an art gallery crawl and asked a resident artist how he got started painting. He was quite simple in response, “Just get some paper and some water colors and have at it”. I understood just jumping in, so I did. It became a form of therapy for the things I was experiencing. I found joy and peace in creating. It was mainly for myself, until I was given the opportunity to be a vendor. Now, I make paintings, books, perform poetry, make tees, coats, hoodies, sweat shirts, copper/ beaded jewelry, wedding bouquets, craft baskets/ table centerpieces- upon request, body paint and somewhere in there I do all my spiritual work. I live fully in my creativity. It balances out being a full time caregiver/ home health aid to my mom as well.

My clients love how my poetry moves and inspires them to write or embrace their lives. My art speaks to them to love who they are or look outside the box to invite color into their homes.

I like that I am not traditionally taught when it comes to visual art but can appreciate my own growth when it comes to my style. It’s full of color and thick lines much like myself… lines are paths to a journey that ever flows. It is my poetry on the canvas. My books tell stories of my life and of those I love. It connects me to my community.

Community is very important. The open mic I cohost Say It Open Mic builds on providing a free space to perform and offer insight into opportunities for creatives. We provide a platform free of judgment. We often have homeless artists come and speak on this being a safe haven during hard times.

As a Spiritual woman, I pour myself into creating a connection with those around me. Healing myself and offering services to aid people in their spiritual journey is my life mission. Whether through poetry, art or spiritual practices, I plan to uplift and love others as I do myself.

I am most proud of where I am today because I have invested time, energy and plenty of tears as well as hard work to become the creative I am. From the early stages of website building and artist development to now pressing my own brands and having published 6 books. I’ve sold over 100 pieces of art and countless pieces of jewelry. I’ve graced many stages. I don’t always look back at what I’ve accomplished because the focus is always on better ways to service those around me through my art.

I am currently a BOOM Fringe 2024 artist and Charlotte Poetry Festival poet (1st festival of its kind in Charlotte). I will be able to tell my story through my sophomore spoken word EP, The Calm Chaos, which is also the title of my show; all while participating in a poetry festival simultaneously. I am working with PFO, Playing For Others, a local youth non profit with their annual spoken word tour. I also have secession upcoming performances with surrounding areas including an RCCC Art & Poetry collaborative where the art students paint what they are inspired from with my poetry and that of other poets. 

I am grateful for being grounded by my mother and father, while having the support of my family and loved ones. 

As my clothing states,” WARNING Protected By My Ancestors”, because indeed without them I would not have expanded my creative abilities to visualize and manifest a creative life. The first vision of such a life came in 2005. It’s been an uphill battle, but I’m much more in a space to trust that with time I and anyone can be the artist they so desire.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2009, at the age of 24, I decided to withdraw from graduate school to become a full time caregiver for my mother. I put her first, because her health and the condition she was in was severe. Ever since, I put her first when it comes to my art and creating. She is my muse. She is a retired professional singer and actress. She believed in all that I am. She is both a fan and my favorite critic. I thought at times I would have to give up the dream of being a world known poet or artist. I never thought my business The Key Is Luv would ever grow from the days of being ” Luvleeh Inks & Links” at ECSU. Nearly 20 years of creating and caring for my mom have taught me that anything over time is still possible and rewarding to achieve. It doesn’t take away from the fact that I did the work.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more about grants, how to become a part of art galleries and book publishing. Everything I’ve learned is from self taught research and simply interviewing peers. Things that may have taken longer for me may not have been so long and hard had I had access to more resources. There is so much information that exists, but if you don’t know it’s there or what to search you can miss out on opportunities free and paid to gain wisdom etc from others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.luvleeh.com
• Instagram: @TheKeyIsLuv & @IamLuvleeh
• Linkedin: Leandrea Hill
• Youtube: poetiklocks
• Tiktok: @TheKeyIsLuv