We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LeA Robinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LeA below.
Alright, LeA thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
As a business owner and creative during the challenging times of the pandemic, I faced significant financial instability. Despite witnessing others thriving, I found myself at a loss for the next steps. Relying on my faith, I sought guidance through prayer. Initially declined for unemployment, I mustered the courage to persist and advocate for my situation. To my amazement, the system responded, providing me with a substantial backpay of $15,000.
Recognizing the significance of this unexpected windfall, I resolved to invest 95% of the funds into my clothing brand, People Blockers, which had been primarily known for its sunglasses. Driven by my love for socks, I expanded the brand’s offerings to include them. Leveraging intuitive marketing strategies, I witnessed exceptional results, selling out within the first week. This success caught the attention of two prominent boutiques: Hush Life Boutique, a high-end luxury store, and Factory Boutique, a cultural staple in Brooklyn.
This transformative experience reinforced a crucial lesson: believing in oneself and taking risks can yield remarkable outcomes. It underscored the importance of self-investment and resilience, ultimately propelling my brand to new heights. I honestly still get so excited when I scroll up and down my timeline and see some of the worlds most influential people in a brand that was started on my iPhone, in my bedroom.
LeA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, who’s been carving my path in the music industry, drawing inspiration from my familial legacy as the granddaughter of the influential Sylvia Robinson, known as the mother of Hip Hop. My passion for music led me to explore various creative avenues, culminating in the founding of my business baby, People Blockers, five years ago.
People Blockers began as a personal fascination with people-watching, blocking negative energy, and a love for sunglasses. By the grace of God it has blossomed into a thriving enterprise offering a diverse range of spiritual accessories and merchandise. I take so much pride in the evolution of my brand, which has expanded so much. Notably, my commitment to philanthropy has always been a priority and giving back to the community, annually supporting various causes such as aiding the homeless and donating merchandise to those in need, including women and children.
What sets me apart from others? Everything. I love my creative eyes and unique perspective. The more in love with myself and my brand I become, the more free I feel at expressing the things I want to see and create. The most fulfilling part for me is when my team and I actualize our aspirations. So many people have “ideas” and many are brilliant but they lack following through, I don’t; I love that because I wasn’t always this way.
What I would love to share with my followers is, patience really is a virtue. I’m not at the exact place I want to be just yet but success is not instantaneous and often unfolds in its own time. Through my experiences, I’ve also learned to embrace my individuality instead of conforming to trends; it’s so much easier to stand by your work when you know it’s really you.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
YES! YES! AND YES! I wish I knew earlier that there were so many resources around me! My friends, my family, and my contact list. So many people in my life were wiling to help me when I decided to ask for it.
I also wish I knew sooner that it isn’t as hard as you think it is. I genuinely feel everything happens for a reason, even if something goes off plan, whatever you learned in that time was needed for your journey, you just have to keep going.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I know this may be a bit cliche but my mom has been telling me how proud she is of me and I don’t think there is any better feeling than wanting to keep hearing that. Thats enough to drive me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://PeopleBlockers.com
- Instagram:@TheLeARobinson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeopleBlockers/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@peopleblockers1720
Image Credits
Photographer: Ralph Be Makeup by: Slay Potion Hair by: Neeora Virgin Hair