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

Hi Leece, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I think this is something we all struggle with. Giving up is one of the easiest things to do, you can get stuck in the mindset of “I am not getting a lot of engagement with my viewers, why did this post get more likes than the other, why didn’t they feature me” these are things that may run through our head from time to time. We have to realize that to keep going means that there will be flops and failures but we get up and go again. Knowing whether to give up or keep going is and will always be entirely up to you. Only you can tell yourself if it’s worth your time and if this is what you really want in life. It’s taken me up to three years to be noticed by brands that inspire me, sometimes even that is quick. It can take years of tears and frustration to get to where you want to be, sometimes we don’t even get that far. So when you ask me how you know whether to keep going or give up; I think it’s all up to the person. There are moments that I break down and turn away from social media but I never back down! I always return with a fire in my belly that’s ready to create and show the world what I have to offer, even if it’s not everyone’s style. That’s one of the most important things to know when reaching for something is that you may not be what that person/brand is looking for and that is ok! Stay true to yourself and your self brand. That’s where true happiness will come and you’ll be so happy you never backed down.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others is my passion for what I do. I genuinely care for the people that sit in my chair; we create a bond and I help them to feel and look their best. I am always honest with my clients when it comes to their hair expectations and what the reality is. I’ve found that they appreciate this much more than you trying to get what they want and leaving with damaged hair. My brand is integrity and love. I put all my love into every single person I create on and it shows.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love all the art museums in Miami. The art tech house in south beach is my favorite, I love going to go bistro on Fridays, they have the best sushi, finding coffee shops all around miami and just being out in the sun walking around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out my girlfriend for pushing me to be authentically myself and teaching me the meaning of just that. @_bloodflowers

Instagram: @looksbyleece

Image Credits
@looksbyleece