We were lucky to catch up with Leticia Reyes-James recently and have shared our conversation below.
Leticia , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
First of all, it helps that I love to laugh and am not shy around people. Further, I make it a point to ask a lot of questions of others rather than talk about myself. As the conversation progresses and I get to reveal more of my thoughts, I make sure to show that I’ve listened by relating to something they previously mentioned. When you show people that despite physical differences, we can relate similarly and have many things in common, it can be very disarming. You leave people feeling validated and appreciated when they realize you’ve been listening intently to what they have shared.
In other words, I put a premium on listening before offering something and aim to be thoughtful about it. I believe confidence can be best displayed without having to say a whole lot.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a Digital Creator and Founder of Westchester Date Night, I relish the opportunity to explore the county for enchanting venues that provide the perfect backdrop for quality adult time with loved ones. Westchester Date Night, showcased through compelling video content on social media, infuses a touch of New York City energy into the region, presenting a myriad of exciting options.
Four things I find truly gratifying about my role include:
1. Passion for the Arts: With half of my media career dedicated to being an on-camera lifestyle host, Westchester Date Night serves as a creative outlet to continue utilizing and honing those skills while expressing myself artistically.
2. Collaboration with Brands and Community: I take pride in collaborating with both brands and the local community, assisting businesses in effectively marketing their events and services.
3. Adventure Enthusiast: Being an adventure junkie, I immerse myself in Westchester’s diverse entertainment offerings, constantly seeking out new experiences.
4. Strengthening Bonds: Through Westchester Date Night, I not only reinforce my connection with loved ones but also encourage others to do the same by stepping out and enjoying quality time together.
Having launched Westchester Date Night in June, I am thrilled to witness its initial success and am eager to see its continued growth. Excitingly, we are set to expand beyond Westchester with an upcoming brand addition – Ahead of the Trend Travel. This new venture will focus on elevating date nights to new heights by exploring luxurious adult travel destinations around the globe. Stay tuned for the launch!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Navigating a career filled with various experiences, I’ve encountered numerous ups, downs, successes, and challenges. During this journey, the following three things have been most pivotal:
1. Investing in people skills: Like many people pursuing a career in entertainment, I moonlighted as a hospitality and customer service professional. These random job experiences did so much to help me hone my people management skills and improve my understanding of human psychology. The lessons learned during this time transcend both my age and life phases and remain tremendously useful and relevant.
2. Risk Taking Courage: Soon after graduating college with a degree in Management Information Systems, I was offered an opportunity to be a television host. Embracing the opportunity without a formal background in the field required courage, and lead me down a path of greater fulfillment and the discovery of my profound passion for media.
3. Communication Skills: There’s nothing more crucial to navigating life than the ability to effectively communicate. I have come a long way in that regard and have made continuous, intentional effort to improve this particular skill resulting in transformative changes in my life and relationships. Learning the art of delivering messages, be they positive or negative, with diplomacy and consideration has delivered incredible ROI.
In summary, anything you can do to improve in one of the above three areas will ultimately contribute to your betterment.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Despite coming from meager beginnings in the South Bronx, my husband has earned multiple degrees and his professional experience spans decades and includes heavyweight companies in the sports and entertainment arena. Despite overcoming difficult circumstances and achieving so much, he remains one of the humblest and most generous people I know. He has provided me so much insight and perspective into the professional world, and has done it all with patience and a tremendous amount of love. He has not only encouraged me to start my own business but continues to be my staunchest advisor and supporter. I feel fortunate to have him and to share such a wonderful life together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aheadofthetrendtv.com
- Instagram: @Westchesterdatenight & @aheadofthetrendtv
