We recently connected with Leonora Martelly and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Leonora, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
I’ve always been a bit eccentric — even as a child. While other kids were focused on fitting in or worrying about boys, I was writing what I now realize were journal entries and poems, playing sports, and constantly experimenting with new ways to express myself. Communication for me started as a form of self-expression long before I understood it as a skill.
Growing up first-generation American, success in my family meant becoming a lawyer, doctor, or nurse. And although I could have gone down any of those paths — I loved debating, I was nurturing, and I enjoyed taking care of others — I was always drawn to media, art, production, writing, and all things creative.
I remember one of the first defining moments came in ninth grade. We had a project on music and self-expression, and I chose to focus on a group called Floetry. They embodied everything I loved — individuality, lyricism, storytelling, and soul. My classmates had no idea who they were, but I was captivated by how their words created connection and emotion. Around that same time, I was also listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and later Paramore in college, and I realized how much I loved blending different worlds — I could fit in anywhere, but I never fully belonged anywhere. Still, I was always “popular” because people connected with my authenticity.
At one point, I joined a law program — mostly because it aligned with my mother’s hopes for me. I didn’t care much for it at first, but my interest shifted when we covered topics like the 13th Amendment, the Rockefeller Drug Laws, and how those policies disproportionately impacted Black communities. There was a poetry contest through the New York Civil Liberties Union that focused on those same laws, and I entered — combining my creative side with what I was learning about justice and advocacy. I ended up winning first place, which included a scholarship and recognition for my piece. That experience was the spark.
From there, I submitted my work to my school’s poetry book and was chosen to be published and perform. I was terrified — sharing something so personal felt like stepping completely outside my comfort zone. But my teachers encouraged me to just do it, and the moment I got on stage, everything changed. That performance was the beginning of me truly finding my voice.
After that, I became a regular performer at the Afrikan Poetry Theater, entered contests, took workshops, and continued studying — majoring in linguistics and speech pathology, and later exploring psychology and mental health. I wanted to understand why people communicate the way they do — the mind, the emotions, the healing behind expression. I also began curating and facilitating workshops, hosting events, and speaking publicly — leaning into my passion for community work and youth empowerment.
That journey led me to create SHE IS MADE, a platform dedicated to self-discovery, healing, and creative empowerment. Since then, I’ve published three poetry chapter books, a self-help journal, and an e-book on how to self-publish and turn your passion into a business. I’ve curated and executed thousands of workshops, hosted and produced events, worked as an on-air host for SiriusXM, and served as a public speaker and mental health advocate. I’ve also worked in education for over a decade, and recently stepped into real estate — continuing to find new ways to connect, lead, and communicate with different communities.
I’ve learned that my ability to communicate effectively didn’t come from textbooks or formal training alone — it came from community, creativity, and courage. I had to unlearn the belief that my voice was insignificant, and instead recognize that my story, my art, and my authenticity could make an impact. Through every poem, performance, workshop, and conversation, I’ve developed not just a voice — but a purpose: to connect, to teach, to inspire, and to help others find their own
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I wear a few different hats, but everything I do comes back to one core purpose — using creativity and community as tools for healing, growth, and empowerment.
I’m the founder of SHE IS MADE, a brand and movement that uses art as a tool for mental health and wellness. Through it, I do coaching, host events, facilitate workshops, and sell my books, journals, and apparel. I also do community work, curating spaces where people can express themselves, heal, and connect. Recently, I’ve started partnering with schools to bring art and social-emotional learning (SEL) into the classroom — not just for students, but for teachers and staff as well. You can follow our journey on Instagram @sheis.made or subscribe at sheismade.com to stay connected.
What’s most exciting about SHE IS MADE is how it continues to evolve. It started as a personal mission — a space for women and creatives to rediscover their voice — and has grown into a platform that merges art, wellness, and education. Every workshop, journal, or poem is rooted in helping people reconnect with themselves and remember that they are made — made to heal, made to grow, and made to thrive.
In addition to that work, I’m also a licensed realtor with Keller Williams Gold Coast. You can find me online at ListedwithLeonora on Instagram and Facebook. For me, real estate is more than a transaction — it’s about building futures, strengthening communities, and making sure every client feels supported and seen throughout their journey. Whether I’m helping a first-time buyer find their dream home or helping a seller shine, I approach it with heart and purpose. For inquiries, I can be reached at 646-410-4449.
I’m also a single mom, which has become one of my greatest sources of motivation and inspiration. I’m currently working on a children’s book for my daughter, inspired by her journey with Hemangiomas. My goal is to bring awareness to this condition while helping other children feel seen and helping parents better understand their options and resources.
Right now, I’m in a transitional phase, and honestly, I’m excited about it. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort — and this season is all about stepping into new opportunities, expanding my impact, and continuing to use my voice and my platforms to educate, empower, and inspire.
Everything I do — from poetry to real estate to community work — is connected by one mission: to help people find home, whether that’s within themselves, their art, or their community.
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?
Looking back, there are three qualities that have truly shaped my journey: my authenticity, my commitment to growth, and my faith.
Authenticity has always been my foundation. I’ve learned that when you show up as yourself — flaws, passions, quirks, and all — you give others permission to do the same. My ability to connect with people from all walks of life has opened doors I never expected, not because I tried to fit in, but because I chose to be real. Whether I’m performing poetry, coaching a client, or helping someone find a home, I lead with empathy and genuine connection. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to embrace who you are. The world doesn’t need another version of someone else — it needs the real you.
The second quality is my desire for growth and evolution. I don’t like feeling stagnant; I believe growth is a form of gratitude — it’s how we honor our potential. Every challenge, career shift, or uncomfortable moment in my life has pushed me closer to who I’m meant to be. My advice here is simple: stay curious, stay teachable, and don’t fear change. The best things often come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
And lastly, my faith. Through God and Jesus Christ, I’ve found my grounding and my guidance. My faith reminds me that even when things don’t go as planned, I am covered, and there’s purpose in the process. Whenever I lose focus or feel uncertain, I turn back to God — He always recenters me in my mission and reminds me why I’m here. My advice for others is to stay anchored in something bigger than yourself. For me, that’s God. For you, it might be your values, your family, or your calling — whatever keeps you rooted when life gets heavy.
Together, these three — authenticity, growth, and faith — have shaped not just my career, but my character. They’ve taught me that success isn’t about titles or recognition; it’s about being true to yourself, staying open to evolution, and trusting that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Two books that have had a profound impact on my development are The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. They both spoke to me in different but powerful ways about purpose, faith, and the beauty of the journey itself.
The Alchemist reminded me that we all have a personal legend — a divine purpose that calls us, even when the path isn’t clear. Santiago’s journey taught me that the answers we’re searching for are often found within us, and that every detour, disappointment, or delay is part of the preparation for what’s meant for us. One of my favorite lessons from that book is that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” That line has carried me through so many seasons of uncertainty. It’s a reminder that faith and action go hand in hand — you have to trust God’s timing, but also take the steps toward what you’re called to do.
Don Quixote might seem like an unusual choice, but it resonated with me deeply. It’s a story about belief — about daring to dream even when the world calls you foolish. Don Quixote’s ability to see beauty and purpose where others saw impossibility mirrors my own creative journey. It taught me the importance of imagination, resilience, and staying true to your vision, even when others don’t understand it yet. There’s something sacred about holding onto hope in a world that often tells you to be “realistic.”
Together, these books taught me that faith and purpose aren’t about having all the answers — they’re about trusting the process, listening to your inner voice, and choosing courage over comfort. Whether through art, community, or personal growth, I’ve learned that what seems like a dream to others can be your divine assignment. And if you move with faith, humility, and persistence, everything you’re meant for will meet you exactly where you are
Contact Info:
- Website: sheismade.com, leonoramartelly.kw.com
- Instagram: whois.leonora., listedwithleonora, sheis.made
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581237020945
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