We were lucky to catch up with Tasleem Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tasleem, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

On March 29, 2025 I took a risk and decided that I was going to host a fashion and art show. I collaborated with an Artist named Carlos Marquez and we held our first showcase together at his art studio where he does his work. I was pressed for time but I was able to create five looks for the show. This was a big risk for me but I realize that without a risk there is no reward.

I took this risk because I want to show myself that I am capable of doing anything. I planned the event myself, organized and casted models, and collaborated with a brilliant artist whose work is stunning.

The show was a success. I am grateful for how it all came together. Most importantly I am grateful for how the models showed up for me and made the show happen.

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?

For anyone who is new to who I am , I am a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California I had my artistic training in the Bay Area where I studied fashion design. I have a fashion company called LUCKY CRIMINAL that is available online and in person when I have pop up shops or attend events. The last couple of years I have created three music projects that are streaming online and I am being featured in a documentary in May.

What sets me apart is my authenticity. I have no desire to fit in or to conform to what is trending or what seems acceptable. I am carving my own path and surrending to the unknown. I am doing my own thing and I refuse to shrink myself in this new era. If anyone find that I am too much they can go find less. I have decided to follow this unique path and I am fully committed to being my entire self.

I am most proud of how I have never given up. I like anyone else who desires to have their dream life have faced many challenges, road blocks, and set backs that would make the average person quit. Overtime I have developed a resilience and skin to be able to transform and pivot in new directions when something is not working. Sometimes the problem may seem really big in the moment but I had to get creative and resourceful to really solve problems that seemed impossible to overcome.

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

During the COVID-19 pandemic I was furloughed from my comfortable corporate job. I was planning to exit in December of 2020, but I got the boot in April. I was completely unphased but still shocked since I had never experienced being let go from a job before. It was a blessing in disguise because it then afforded me the time to create music and focus on establishing my fashion business.

Thoughout the entire pandemic I was selling my apparel at flea markets and I literally survived COVID-19 by betting on myself. It was seriously the craziest time in my life and everyone’s on a global scale. But I honestly wouldn’t be this sure of myself and my capabilities if it never happened. So I am grateful to be able to have survived such a crazy experience by selling my own clothing.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is asking for help. I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness—but I’ve learned it’s actually a strength. Along this journey I have really learned to do a lot of things on my own. Which is great in the grand scheme of things but I have grown to learn what burnout actually is and I am not a fan of overworking myself. So I am learning to ask for help where it makes sense and to still remain independent.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.luckycriminalshop.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckycriminalshop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpaMvdVlyOS-9Xl_NHu_ScA
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-823043244
• Other: Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@callmetasleem

Image Credits

Photographs by GStunnuh