Boss Chick Kris LeAnn Takes Creativity Across an Array of Different Industries, From the Medical Fie
The term “Jack of all Trades” is widely used; however, today women of been proving to do it all and have become a “Jill of all Trades”. Ms. Kris LeAnn is a creative genius who has made her mark in a variety of different industries—-from the medical field to the music industry to marketing. What can’t this woman do!
I was highly impressed by this dynamic young woman that I had to do a spotlight on her for the magazine. Check out the interview below.
Can you tell myself and the readers about yourself and your upbringing?
I grew up in a small Texas town where creativity wasn’t always welcomed. The big industry was oil and gas and I felt like somewhat of an outcast because I loved music, creative writing, and inventing silly things around the house. I left that community after high school and started college still clueless as to what my passion was (I started off as a chemistry major, lol). I took a mandatory public speaking course and have been hooked on Communication ever since.
I immediately changed my major and included marketing into it because I was always into commercials and advertising. I obtained a Communication and Marketing degree, as well as a biology degree because I had so many science credits. I became an Account Executive in the Medical Diagnostics industry, but still felt unfulfilled. This inspired me to start a marketing company that focused on telling the stories of cultures that often go unheard.I also left the medical industry and feel better holistically.
Growing up and still to this day who are your mentors and inspirations? How did they impact your life?
My biggest influence was my brother. When born, he had Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and three holes in his heart. My mom was told he wouldn’t make it past 14 days. With her resilience and family support, my brother celebrated his 30th birthday in 2005. He did pass that March when I was 16, but he lived such a huge life when he was expected to fail. I look at life from the perspective of, ‘If my brother was able to thrive on doubt and minimal hope, surely I can overcome my small obstacles.’ Also HUGE shout out to my mother who had the strength to have my sister and I after receiving such news about my brother (he was the oldest).
Business wise, I love Spectacular Smith, Haim Saban, and Rihanna (that woman knows how to sell a product!)
When did you realize your passion to be an entrepreneur?
I can’t say that I have to this day. I didn’t grow up in a household that focused on owning your own business. It wasn’t until around 25 where I stepped out on faith and decided to build a business and lead a different life. So, entrepreneurship may not be my passion in the definition of the word. What I do know is that I’m great at what I do, and I want to share it with others, so if that lane hasn’t already been created in the way I see fit. I’ll create it myself.
You’re a woman of many talents having worked in the music industry, photography, medical field, and marketing industry, where do you see your career going next?
I don’t want to limit myself by saying I’ll be doing “XYZ”. I never thought I’d be doing video shoots with Lil’ Flip, interviewing Biggs Burke, or selling cardiology tests to the industries top physicians. So who knows. Maybe I’ll do the the first live interview on Mars while promoting my own debut clarinet jazz album, lol jk. My point is, I’m more go with the flow, and I believe our stories are already written, so who am I to predict the future.My career will go in the direction that has already been planned for my life and I’m just enjoying the journey.
As stated earlier you’re also a photographer as well, how does that add another dimension to your arsenal?
Great question! It allows me another perspective and medium to create with. I can see the image a business may want to personify in my head and bring it to life. It’s also a hobby and allows me release built up creative angst, which allows me to keep pushing out ideas.
What ultimately drew you to the innovative network marketing field?
Telling the story of those who did or still don’t have a voice. My brother wasn’t able to speak for himself, and as a black woman in corporate America, I too feel left out of the conversation. Knowing this, I found my passion in using my gift to help those how aren’t able clearly state their desires, frustrations, and ideas.
How does having a degree in communications and marketing help you articulate your creative passion?
Honestly, my degree just gave me the framework on taught me how to read non-verbals, and different communication theories. It’s the icing on a cake that has been baking in the oven since I was a child. I think if anything it gives me the credentials to state that, “Yes, I do know what I’m talking about and I love this so much, I spent thousands of dollars to learn about it”.
Recently you launched your marketing company K.H. Kreates, what was your driving influence and inspiration behind this achievement?
I had a company before this that was heavily influenced on the opinion of others. I failed it. It wasn’t mine and it lost it’s visions and passion. Failure is so key in entrepreneurship, though.I took those lessons and decided to create my own persona. K.H. Kreates is all me. From the logo to the color palette. I’m doing this and I’m honestly proud that I’m stepping out again to do what I love. This brand is influenced by my life and how I got here. It’ll be my greatest creation, please quote me.
Can you tell us some of the goals and accomplishments you have your eyes and expectations set on with your business?
I want to become a household name and have a network of fellow creatives. I want to be completely behind the scenes pulling puppet strings and doing interviews to influence the next generation of creatives. Those that are in small town and don’t quite fit in. I want to talk to them and give back in ways that I’m able to. Oh and I want to interview Michelle Obama #BigGoals!
How important is it to you to have a company of your own, as well as for the female gender and culture?
Extremely. Culture is a running theme in my business. As a first-generation college student, black, female, etc. there was a lot I had to discover on my own. If I can help someone out there know that there’s so much more out there to reach for, then I’ve accomplished something you can’t put a price on.
What are some great words of wisdom and advice you can offer our millennial females and readers?
Remain true to your values and morals. This world will try to change you and everything you stand for. You’ll meet people along the way who have your best interest. It’s almost inevitable. Just remember why you started on the journey and everything will be fine. Also coconut oil. Use it and embrace it.
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