We recently connected with Lesleigh Meisenzahl and have shared our conversation below.

Lesleigh, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I can trace my decision to pursue a creative path professionally back to a pivotal moment in my childhood. Creativity was a constant presence in my life especially with my mom, her talent for crafting beautiful jewelry and her impeccable eye for fashion, and my dad, who painted both houses and canvases in his spare time, nurtured my artistic instincts from an early age. The seed was planted, but it wasn’t until I was about 7 years old, sitting at the workbench in the basement with my mom, that I felt the full pull of creativity. We were crafting together, and for the first time, I became completely immersed in the process. Time disappeared, and I discovered how powerful it felt to create something that came from within.

As I grew older, that feeling stayed with me, but it wasn’t until my mid 30’s that everything clicked. After losing my mom, who was my best friend, I woke up to life in a whole new way. During the pandemic, I began experimenting with mediums like collage, markers, and paint, expressing myself in bold, authentic ways. Around the same time, I opened my first salon, Hairplay of ROA. It became clear that creating wasn’t just a hobby, it was a vital form of connection and self-expression I could no longer ignore.

The defining moment came when I sold my first painting during that first year of running my salon. Seeing someone connect so deeply with my work lit a spark within me, showing me that my passion could become my profession. This realization, combined with my belief in my gift, gave me the courage to fully commit to the art world. My journey truly evolved when I took the leap and uprooted my life to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I reestablished my full-time hair business while continuing to grow as an artist. Balancing both has been challenging yet rewarding, and every step has affirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

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.

As for hair, I discovered my passion for at a young age, playing dress-up and giving makeovers with my friends. Even then, I loved the creativity and confidence that came with transforming a look. In high school, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into cosmetology by taking courses at a trade school, which felt like a natural step. I already knew what I loved and couldn’t wait to pursue it.

While still in high school, I began working at a local Cost Cutters, balancing my studies and gaining real-world experience after school and on weekends. It was the perfect place to hone my skills and learn the importance of building relationships with clients. Those foundational years set the stage for everything that came next.

Fast forward 24 years, and my career has taken me coast-to-coast, allowing me to grow and evolve as a stylist. Now based in South Florida, I’ve combined my love for hair with my background in art and fashion, which sets me apart in this industry. My artistic eye helps me approach every hairstyle as a work of art, blending color, shape, and style in a way that’s completely unique to each client.

Through Hairplay by LA, I focus on creating personalized transformations that empower women to feel their best. Hair is more than a service for me, it’s an experience and an art form. My journey as a hairstylist, artist, and vintage fashion collector has given me a unique perspective, and I’m inspired every day by the endless creative possibilities behind the chair.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I moved from Virginia to Florida, I faced the daunting task of rebuilding my salon business in a completely new city. Starting over meant leaving behind a loyal clientele and stepping into the unknown. I embraced the challenge by dedicating myself to networking, showcasing my work, and connecting with clients who valued my vision and skills. It wasn’t easy, but step by step, I rebuilt my business and found my footing in a new market.

At the same time, I pursued my passion for art, which became both a creative outlet and an extension of my work in beauty. Balancing the demands of building a new clientele while diving into the art world taught me the power of perseverance and adaptability. Today, I’m proud to have a thriving salon business and a growing presence as an artist, proof that resilience and passion can create incredible opportunities. here.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves through beauty, art, and fashion. At the core of my journey is a deep commitment to listening to my conscience and inner voice, which continually guide me toward creative decisions rooted in truth and passion.

As an artist, I believe in exploring the limitless possibilities that arise when we trust our instincts and allow creativity to flow naturally. Through my work in hairstyling, painting, and vintage fashion, I aim to push boundaries, create meaningful connections, and encourage others to discover their own paths of self-expression. My ultimate goal is to create transformative experiences that uplift and inspire others to embrace their individuality and inner strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hairplaybyla.com Lesappeal.com
• Instagram: @les_appeal @hairplaybyla

Image Credits

@lu_hound