We were lucky to catch up with Lea’h Sampson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lea’h thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Being a woman and black there’s certain topics that people assume I should or shouldn’t talk about. That there’s a certain cadence I should have with my jokes. I’ve had people come to a show and say things to me such as “ great set! I thought this would be a black show” what ever that would mean. Or certain people would tell me that my jokes were “ too smart “ or “ not smart enough. I was always placed in a box but when I’d tell my jokes then people would think about me differently than just my exterior. My jokes come from a real place from experiences and my personal views. Sometimes it would confuse people on how incisive I am and bold.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started comedy as a bartender at a restaurant working for extra money, new to the city of Austin. That’s where I was told I should do comedy due to my sense of humor. From then on I started learning the art form of comedy and the craft of it. Eventually building my own shows and merchandise creating my self as my own business.
How did you build your audience on social media?
The best way my social media was built was truly being authentic verses following a trend of some sort. Once I just uploaded content that designated with me and my art I saw a dramatic change in engagement. Doing the joke and material I feel represents me the most. You’re crowd will find you and follow.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Be open to things you haven’t experienced or discovered. Go to shows listen to new music discover art that you’re not used to. Broaden you’re comfort zone. If there’s someone you like, follow them, support. Most artist take a while to be able to make a full living off of their art. Any thing helps and counts. Let them know you’re a fan of their work and show up where you can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Officialleahsampson
- Facebook: Leahsampsoncomedy
- Twitter: Leah_sampson1
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@officialleahsampson?si=mj0BR2gQp4R1Ghf_
- Other: Tik tok : officialleahsampson
Linktree.com/Leahsampson
Image Credits
Ry Dempsey
Yoko haraoka
Kat soriano
JT Anderson