Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesa Wilson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my career when I was in high school. At that time, there was a partnership between all the local high schools and a trade school that allowed us to dive into a trade before we graduated. I chose Radio and Television broadcasting. This led to a job as a radio DJ and then another job in television with our local Comcast affiliate. After graduation, I traveled for 5 years working as a model.
During this time, I auditioned for the 3rd season of American Idol. I was pleased to continue making the cut all the way down to the final 32 contestants left standing. After the idol, I worked with a few producers recording songs and doing a few shows. I have always been ambitious, so even with music being a big focus, I was still pursuing other avenues for growth and success. It wasn’t long until I won the title of Miss GA USA 2006. I spent a year as the titleholder and represented the state of GA in the 2006 Miss USA pageant where I placed 2nd runner-up.
The back to back success opened doors for me everywhere I turned. I was invited to meet the heads of major record labels, landed my first big agent in Atlanta and started working as a commercial actress and model almost immediately after all the excitement started to settle.
After signing with my agent in Atlanta, I began working a lot. I appeared in ads for major brands like Ford, Home Depot, Belk, Macy’s, Southwest Airlines, Rooms to Go, Delta Airlines, Minute Maid, Cox Communications, Kraft Foods, Smirnoff, Homewood Suites, Venus Swimwear, Direct TV and many more. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work on many television shows (The Originals, For Better or Worse, Necessary Roughness, Being Mary Jane, & Drop Dead Diva) and worked on my first major film, Logan Lucky.
I believe my success has come from a relentless work ethic and desire to succeed coupled with a great support team with my agents, friends and family. Without them, this road would have been much more difficult.
Has it been a smooth road?
No career in the entertainment field is paved with gold.
I’d say the biggest struggle for an artist is never knowing if or when you will work, so you have to have a bridge job or a secondary career going to support you financially while you pursue your dream. This makes it especially difficult.
Managing two careers at the same time is no easy task and leaves little time for rest. It’s a constant grind and hustle and it’s the main thing that causes stress in my life.
There’s also a lot of rejection. As an actor, you put yourself out there time and time again, often with no feedback, no bookings and no knowledge of why you were or weren’t chosen for a role. That’s a big emotional roller coaster.
As a blogger, the challenges are equally as frustrating. Growing an audience that’s interested in your content is super difficult even when you’ve clearly defined your target audience. My greatest struggle in the blog space has been being visible and different enough that I keep people engaged with what I’m doing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am an actress, model, on-camera personality and a blogger. I’m known for some of the shows I’ve appeared on, commercials galore and print ads for major companies across the US. I’m also known for the motivational and inspiring content I create for my blog at hellolesa.com.
I’m most proud that my platform is used to encourage people to pursue what they love and desire out of life. My goal is to be the voice of motivation and support for those individuals.
I think the thing that sets me apart is my heart. I have a deep love for my audience and want to share my experiences as honestly as possible. I always work hard to put a positive spin on even the most icky of experiences with the intention of highlighting the lessons in failures as well as in the successes.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I live in Atlanta. It’s an AMAZING city for people to start in. It’s teeming with life, creativity and people who are open and willing to lend a helping hand. Every little community has it’s own special something to offer so I think that makes them all unique. I feel really fortunate to call Atlanta my home.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hellolesa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellolesa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellolesamarie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellolesa
- Other: http://www.lesawilson.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
