We had the good fortune of connecting with Leigha Hager and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigha, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is such a personal thing and should be evaluated on an individual basis. For me, I allow my body and my mood to create my daily schedule. As a creative person, creativity comes as it pleases. To ensure a steady flow of it I make sure that I’m well rested, eating the healthiest foods I can, and working out regularly. For me, work life balance means I allow myself to feel free with my schedule. If I want to block out an hour in the morning to go to the beach I will do that. If I want to take the afternoon to go to a workout class I will do that. If I want to stay up late to finish a project or submit client proposals, I will do that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I founded Rebel Creative Studio in 2015 while attending The University of Tampa pursuing my degree in Advertising & Public Relations. I was ready to work, ready to create, ready to learn. Looking back I am so happy that I started when I did. I read a quote once that said, “ready is not a feeling, it’s a decision,” and that is so true!

Rebel Creative Studio is what I like to call a micro-agency. I offer all of my creative services ranging from advertisement creation, marketing strategy, social media management, digital ad management, email marketing, website development, graphic design, and more! The name comes from nickname, “Rebel.” My parents named me after Princess Leia from Star Wars who is arguably the most famous female rebel of all time. I designed my logo myself with a pink x in the background which serves a double representation. If you are a Star Wars fan you will recognize the X from the rebel X wing fighters! The X also represents the female chromosomes. I am passionate about uplifting women through media, hiring female creatives to be part of my projects, and helping female owned business to flourish through my services. You can view my portfolio and set up a free consultation with me at www.rebelcreativestudio.com!

I truly believe that the way women are treated in society is very closely related to how they are portrayed in media. For far too long, up until recently, it’s been mainly men behind the cameras and writing the scripts. So of course women have been portrayed in a light directed by patriarchal values. Well, it’s time to “flip the script” so to say.

I have always been an outspoken and confident woman. This is a challenging path for a woman trying to climb a corporate ladder, within family dynamics, and definitely in many other situations we face. Women are conditioned from a young age to be good girls and remain quiet and pleasant at all times. I call “bullshit.” I believe that women are powerful when we are free, wild, and untethered! Through Rebel Creative Studio I aspire to empower women. Leaders go first… so I do my best to lead by example.

With that being said, there are many challenges that women today still face. TV shows, movies, songs, and music videos have pitted us against each other. Too often we see other women as the competition instead of allies. It’s not our fault, that’s what the Patriarchy has done to us for centuries. Layer by layer we have to collectively undo this. Each layer we peel back may be painful and slow but worth it. I have to admit, I have not been perfect in working with other women but with each encounter I learn more about myself and forge a better way forward.

There’s a balance we have to find together. A balance between our divine feminine and masculine energies and how we carry those energies into the work place and business. Too often if a woman has a strong masculine energy she will be quick to gain a reputation of being “difficult to work with,” “rigid,” or worse. If a woman brings a feminine energy into the workplace she may be seen as a pushover or not viewed as a leader. Do you see where I’m going with this? Balance. It’s all about balance. And being patient and compassionate with each other while we are figuring it out together.

I address a lot of these issues in depth on my podcast called “Rebelology.” Season 2 is premiering on Spotify and Apple Podcasts on Friday July 29th, 2022! You can check out the platform at www.RebelologyMedia.com.

Let’s connect! Let’s create something together! Email me at Leigha@RebelCreativeStudio.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my dearest friends from childhood is coming to visit me here in Miami in August! Our adventures aka as “shenanigans” span back 25 years. I am so excited to take her to some of my favorite spots in the city. For brunch I will be taking her to Casa Florida. It’s a pink paradise with delicious dishes and bottomless mimosas. What could be better?

Another fun, maybe cheesy, but fun activity is the Selfie Museum in Wynwood. They periodically have new selfie rooms and backdrops to take some cute photos with. While in Wynwood I will take her to the Miami Mojito Company for the best mojitos around. It’s also a great way to cool off in Wynwood. They have a shaded deck area to enjoy your cocktail and catch up with a friend.

For dinner we will be dining at Planta Queen. I am plant based and Planta can do no wrong! The dishes are delish and the atmosphere is on point. It’s chic, classy, and pink! Are you seeing a theme with me?

A trip to Miami would not be complete without enjoying the view at Sugar rooftop bar on top of East Miami hotel. Every time I am up there I am in awe of the Miami night skyline, the lights, the buzz, the hustle, all of it! I truly would not want to live anywhere else than this city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to my grandmother and all the female ancestors in my lineage that support and guide me along my journey. My late grandmother, Sibyle, was the first “girl boss” that I saw growing up. She not only helped to run a family business but participated on the board of several community organizations and received awards throughout her career. My ancestors help to guide me spiritually and I allow myself to be a vessel for them to speak and work through. I truly know that I am living their wildest dreams, thanks to them!

Website: www.rebelcreativestudio.com

Instagram: @rebelologymedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRebelCreativeStudio

Other: www.rebelologymedia.com

Image Credits
Maya Rose Photography

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