We were lucky to catch up with Leanna Cleveland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on has been creating and launching my mental health and confidence-building eBooks. These projects are so close to my heart because it stems from my own experiences—years of dealing with self-doubt, feeling stuck, and learning how to manage inattentive ADHD, CPTSD, and Depression. Over time, I discovered tools and strategies that changed the game for me, and I felt a deep urge to share them in a way that could genuinely help others facing similar struggles.

The idea for the eBooks came after I kept receiving messages from my audience saying how much my posts on mindset shifts, confidence, and personal growth resonated with them. That’s when I realized I could create something more structured and actionable—a resource they could keep coming back to whenever they needed guidance or inspiration.

Putting it all together was a journey in itself. I spent hours researching, writing, and designing the guide to ensure it was impactful but still easy to digest. I wanted it to feel approachable and relatable, so I included personal stories, practical tips, and step-by-step frameworks that have worked for me. My goal was to create something that not only inspired but gave people the tools they needed to take action and see results.

What makes this project so meaningful is the feedback I’ve received since launching it. Hearing from people who’ve used the eBook to rediscover their confidence, tackle mental health challenges, or start making progress toward their goals has been the most rewarding part. It’s a powerful reminder of why I started this journey—to connect, to uplift, and to provide resources that spark real transformation. Knowing that my work is making a difference in someone’s life is what keeps me motivated every single day.

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

Hi, I’m Leanna, and I’m a fashion, lifestyle, and mental health influencer with a mission to help people build confidence, embrace personal growth, and feel good—inside and out. My journey into this space is deeply personal. For a long time, I struggled with CPTSD, depression, inattentive ADHD, and body confidence issues. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from yourself. But I also know that it’s possible to turn things around and reclaim your power, step by step.

This all started when I began sharing pieces of my story online—my struggles, the tools I was discovering, and the small wins that helped me feel stronger and more confident in my own skin. I didn’t expect much at first, but the response was incredible. So many people told me they felt seen in my story, and that my posts were helping them on their own journeys. That’s when I realized I could turn my experiences into something bigger: a platform where I could inspire and empower others to embrace who they are and grow into the person they want to be.

Now, my work focuses on a blend of fashion, lifestyle, and mental health content. I create uplifting posts, share practical tips, and offer curated products—everything from styling advice to confidence-building strategies. I’ve also written eBooks that dive deeper into mindset shifts and personal growth, designed to give people actionable tools to navigate challenges and rediscover their worth.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on one area—I believe confidence and growth are holistic. It’s about how you feel mentally and emotionally, but also how you show up in the world. Fashion plays a huge role in this because how you dress can transform how you see yourself. I want to help people look good, feel good, and move through life with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

The thing I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built. It’s filled with people who are on their own journeys, supporting and lifting each other. When someone tells me that something I shared helped them face a fear, feel more comfortable in their body, or make a positive change in their life, it’s the most rewarding feeling. That’s why I do this.

I want people to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity. I don’t just share the highlights—I share the hard parts, too, because I believe that’s how real connections are made. My work isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Whether you’re here for fashion inspiration, mindset tips, or just to feel less alone, my goal is to remind you that you’re capable, worthy, and never beyond growth.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most challenging lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I wasn’t worthy of success, stability, or happiness because of my past. Growing up, I faced neglect, poverty, and even periods of homelessness. Those experiences left me with a deep sense of insecurity and a mindset that I wasn’t enough—like I was always behind everyone else or destined to struggle. I carried that with me into adulthood, constantly doubting myself and feeling like any progress I made could vanish at any moment.

The turning point came when I started to actively challenge those beliefs. I realized that I had been living with a survival mindset, always waiting for the other shoe to drop, instead of allowing myself to dream bigger or feel deserving of good things. Through therapy, journaling, and a lot of reflection, I started reframing those thoughts. I began telling myself, “Your past doesn’t define you. You’re capable, you’re resilient, and you’re worthy of creating a better life.”

Over time, I learned to replace that narrative of fear and lack with one rooted in hope and abundance. I started celebrating my progress instead of minimizing it. Most importantly, I began to see my story not as a limitation, but as a testament to my strength. Now, I use those experiences as motivation to help others overcome their struggles and realize their worth, no matter where they come from.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is to help people build confidence, embrace their individuality, and grow into the best versions of themselves. Having struggled with depression, inattentive ADHD, CPTSD, and body confidence issues, I know how hard it can be to feel like you’re enough. That’s why my work blends mental health, personal growth, and self-expression through fashion and lifestyle content.

A huge part of my journey has been overcoming bad body image and learning to love myself at every stage. For years, I felt trapped by the idea that I had to look a certain way to feel confident or beautiful, but I’ve learned that isn’t true. Now, I want my audience to know they’re worthy of love and confidence no matter their shape or size. One of my favorite phrases is, “Cute clothes are cute clothes no matter who they’re on.” I live by that idea, and I encourage others to wear what makes them happy, regardless of societal standards or outside opinions.

I want my audience to know they’re not alone in their struggles and that it’s possible to reclaim your power, even after tough experiences. Whether it’s through a piece of styling advice, a mindset shift, or an eBook guide, my goal is to give people the tools they need to feel seen, confident, and capable of achieving their goals. At its core, my creative journey is about creating a space where people feel inspired, empowered, and supported—reminding them that beauty and confidence are for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pillar.io/thebusyfawn
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusyfawn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusyFawn