Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oraleesa Patterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Oraleesa, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The reason I am so passionate about being the publisher of Downtown Henderson Living magazine and serving as a community advocate is that I believe in amplifying voices and helping businesses thrive. My mission is deeply personal—rooted in the lessons I learned during the pandemic.

When the world shut down, we had no choice but to lean on each other. I found myself knocking on my neighbors’ doors, checking if they had enough toilet paper to make it through the week. After living in my home for 13 years, I was only then learning their names. That realization hit me hard—I knew I had to do better.

At the same time, I lost a thriving business, and I saw many others struggle or shut down. But what stood out to me was that the businesses that survived weren’t just selling products or services; they had strong, recognizable brands that their communities stood behind. I wanted to be part of that resilience, to help rebuild and sustain local businesses.

That’s why I became deeply involved in the community, serving as the VP of Communications for the Henderson Water Street District Business Association and launching a direct-mailed magazine that truly connects our residents. Downtown Henderson Living isn’t just a publication—it’s a bridge between families, local businesses, and the heart of our city. It showcases the stories of our neighbors, our children, and even our pets, all while giving businesses a platform to grow and be seen.

For me, this mission is about more than just business—it’s about strengthening our community, fostering relationships, and ensuring that local brands don’t just survive but thrive.

Oraleesa, 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?

For those who may not have heard about me before, my name is OraLeesa Patterson aka Leesa, and I am the publisher of Downtown Henderson Living magazine, a dedicated community advocate, and a passionate marketing strategist. My journey into this space wasn’t just about business—it was about building connections, resilience, and visibility for the people and businesses that make our community thrive.

 How I Got Into This Industry
My path was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. During the pandemic, I witnessed firsthand how isolation impacted individuals and how small businesses—many of which were the backbone of our local economy—were struggling to stay afloat. I lost a well-run business myself, and I knew others who had to start over. But what stood out to me was that businesses with strong brands, clear messaging, and community engagement were the ones that survived and even grew.

That realization fueled my mission: to help businesses be seen, voices be heard, and communities stay connected. I wanted to create something that not only provided valuable resources but also gave businesses the exposure they needed to thrive. That’s how Downtown Henderson Living magazine was born.

 What I Offer & The Problems I Solve
As the publisher of Downtown Henderson Living, I provide a direct-mailed, community-centered magazine that connects local businesses with residents in a meaningful way. Unlike traditional advertising, our magazine is built around storytelling—featuring real families, local heroes, community events, and businesses that contribute to the vibrant culture of Henderson. This approach creates a genuine connection between brands and their audience, fostering trust, engagement, and long-term loyalty.

Beyond publishing, I also work as a marketing strategist and community connector, helping small businesses:
Build brand visibility through strategic marketing campaigns
Strengthen their presence in the community through partnerships and storytelling
Attract loyal customers by positioning themselves authentically and effectively

I also serve as the VP of Communications for the Henderson Water Street District Business Association, where I advocate for small businesses and facilitate meaningful connections between entrepreneurs and the larger community.

 What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work unique is my deep-rooted commitment to community-driven marketing. I don’t just promote businesses; I help them build relationships with their audience. My approach blends traditional marketing with grassroots advocacy, ensuring that brands aren’t just seen but are also embraced and supported by the community.

 What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the impact Downtown Henderson Living has had—not just as a publication, but as a platform for change, connection, and business growth. Seeing local businesses thrive, families engage with their community, and individuals feel a greater sense of belonging is what keeps me going every day.

 What I Want People to Know About My Work
– I’m here to amplify voices and help businesses grow. Whether through print, digital media, or strategic marketing, I create opportunities for businesses to stand out.
– Community is at the heart of everything I do. My work isn’t just about advertising—it’s about fostering real connections that build lasting success.
– I believe in resilience and reinvention. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and I’m committed to helping businesses navigate that journey.

At the end of the day, my work is about helping others shine—whether that’s a small business owner trying to rebuild, a local artist looking for exposure, or a community member wanting to feel more connected.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader looking to make an impact, I’d love to connect and see how we can work together to build something lasting, meaningful, and impactful.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life happened when I was working as a Supervisor and Analyst in Purchasing at MGM Resorts. I loved my job, but over time, the stress began to build. My director felt intimidated by my skills, and the company was laying off supervisors who didn’t want to step down or take a higher position with lower pay. I saw the writing on the wall and made the difficult decision to accept the layoff.

While it was a challenging transition, I knew deep down that this was an opportunity to reinvent myself. Instead of returning to a similar role, I decided to pursue a new career path—one that aligned with my passions. I went back to school for Business Entertainment Management and Marketing, determined to carve out a space for myself in a new industry.

While studying, I worked as an independent consultant, which gave me valuable experience, but I knew I wanted something bigger. So, I took a leap of faith and launched my own entertainment company. The first two years were tough—full of lessons, challenges, and moments of doubt. I wasn’t seeing the return on investment (ROI) I had hoped for, and I knew I had to rethink my strategy.

Then, I had a breakthrough. Instead of just booking acts, I decided to produce a full show. This shift completely changed the game. Just before the pandemic, my husband and I created a burlesque show, and in a single performance, we doubled our ROI. That experience taught me the power of innovation, adaptability, and taking control of your own vision.

That pivotal moment not only shaped my career but also reinforced my belief in resilience and reinvention. Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback, and sometimes, the best way forward is to create something entirely new.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience on social media by actively engaging with communities and creating spaces for meaningful connections. I started by partnering with social groups on Facebook, which allowed me to reach a wider audience while also providing value. Eventually, I took it a step further and founded my own group, Ladies of Henderson, which became a hub for local women to connect, share resources, and support one another.

One of the key factors in growing my audience was being genuinely helpful. I wasn’t focused on just promoting myself—I focused on giving people the information, resources, and connections they needed. Whether it was business insights, community updates, or networking opportunities, I made sure my content was valuable and engaging.

 Advice for Those Just Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence:
1. Don’t be a gatekeeper. The best way to grow is by sharing valuable information freely. People will trust and follow you if they see you as a resource rather than someone who withholds knowledge.
2. Engage with your audience. Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about creating conversations. Respond to comments, ask questions, and interact with your followers.
3. Be consistent. Growth takes time, so stay committed to posting regularly and maintaining your presence.
4. Leverage partnerships. Collaborate with other groups, influencers, or businesses to expand your reach and bring in new audiences.
5. Stay authentic. People connect with real stories and real people. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show the personality behind your brand.

By focusing on community, collaboration, and authenticity, I was able to build a strong and engaged social media following. Anyone looking to grow should remember that it’s not just about numbers—it’s about building real relationships with your audience.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Leesapg
• Linkedin: Leesapg

Image Credits

Mikel Conrad, Searvaxter C. Gardener Jr.