We recently connected with Aleah Vassell and have shared our conversation below.

Aleah, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

Okay so I’m going to be that person that you may roll your eyes, but that’s okay. The best boss I’ve ever had has been myself. Me. For the past year, I have been a full-time actor, theatre professional, and entrepreneur and I have to say there is nothing like being your own boss. I am the full CEO of my own life and, although it wasn’t easy at first, I’ve finally got the hang of putting myself on a schedule, staying motivated, and making the best choices for me, my theatre career, and my online business.

When it comes to mentors, outside of paid coaches, I haven’t had many as those who have mentorship potential turn into moreso colleagues and friends, but I’m incredibly grateful for the community I’ve created of artistic professionals across the U.S. as well as passionate online business owners. I’ve learned more through community and experience then through one mentor or leader and that’s something I’ll always cherish.

Bottom line, if you want to learn, lean into community. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find more of yourself being around folks who nourish, motivate, and inspire you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Aleah Vassell (they/she), a Canadian born, Jamaican rooted, American based multi-passionate creative (actor, creator, and online business owner) living in Dayton, Ohio, and it’s lovely to make your acquaintance!

Theatre came first as I’ve been singing and dancing ever since I can remember. I was put into magnet arts schools to nourish my passions and talent (thanks mom and dad), and then pursued theatre professionally, getting two theatre degrees. I hold a BFA in Musical Theatre from Samford University and an MFA in Acting from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I’ve been a professional actor since landing my first paying film gig at age 18. Fourteen years later, my acting career is still going strong!

My online business, R3 Creative Co, came during the pandemic when theatre was shut down. I had to figure out how to make money, and I learned about virtual assisting. After years of part-time VA work, I started my own VA business in 2022. Flash forward to now, I’m a 6-figure online business owner and Virtual Assistant coach as well as an AEA actor working consistently in the Dayton / Cincinnati region.

Lastly, I’m a content creator sharing my personal finance and wealth building journey as a Creative With Money at @creativewithmoney on Instagram. I started anonymously in 2022, did an identity reveal in September 2024, and have organically grown an incredible community of 20,000+ creatives with money across all social media platforms. I’m so happy to live this life I’ve created for myself.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Play.

So many of us forget that we can just do things without making money from them, or engage in activities because they’re fun or make us happy. Play is incredibly important to living a fulfilling life, and as actor, I get paid to play and create. I’m so thankful that my job is to imagine, and play a game on stage with others. Because of this, my creativity is always flowing as I work to find play in all areas of my life to bring out the joy in the world.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

As an actor and entrepreneur, outside of enjoying my life and occupation, a main goal of mine is to build wealth and become completely financially stable. Here are my favorite books out of many read that have helped me mindset wise and wealth building wise.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson

You Are A Badass At Making Money – Jenn Sincero

Die With Zero – Bill Perkins

Atomic Habits – James Clear

We Should All Be Millionaires – Rachel Rodgers

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aleahvassell.com & www.creativewithmoney.com
• Instagram: @creativewithmoney
• Other: Threads: creativewithmoney
  TikTok: creativewithmoney

Image Credits

Mikki Shafner Photography
Jessalyn Renee Photography