We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lexi T. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lexi , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
From my earliest years, I found joy in freely expressing myself, using life as my stage. I embraced a philosophy of continuous practice, immersing myself in various experiences, even those that initially intimidated me. For instance, public speaking was a personal challenge, and instead of avoiding it, I deliberately confronted it head-on. The more I engaged in activities that pushed my boundaries, the more comfortable and confident I became.
I firmly believe in the adage ‘practice makes perfect.’ By consistently challenging myself, I discovered that staying prepared in all aspects of life is key – a belief captured by the mantra ‘if you stay ready, you’ll never have to get ready.’ An important lesson I’ve learned is the value of having a concise two-minute elevator pitch ready at all times. No one can advocate for your capabilities and experiences better than yourself, as you uniquely hold the richness of your life’s journey.
In essence, my journey towards self-confidence and high self-esteem has been shaped by a commitment to continuous self-improvement, embracing challenges, and leveraging personal experiences to showcase my true potential.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am thrilled to share my journey as a singer-songwriter and entrepreneur, where my passion for music has seamlessly merged with my dedication to business. Over the years, I’ve had an incredible time touring and developing my craft in songwriting. However, my latest venture is what truly excites me – Business Art & Entertainment, affectionately known as B.A.E, a business I co-founded with my husband, Troy Thompson. Amidst these ventures, I’m excited to announce the release of my new project titled ‘Feelings,’ now available on all platforms. This musical endeavor represents another dimension of my artistry, and I am eager to share it with the world.
B.A.E represents Business, Art, and Entertainment, and it’s our mission to support small businesses in a comprehensive way. We specialize in providing virtual assistant services, handling diverse marketing needs, creating eye-catching graphics, managing contracts, and developing employee handbooks, among other essential services. To promote local businesses in the DMV area, we organize pop-up events that seamlessly blend business, art, and entertainment, creating a unique and vibrant experience.
In addition to our commitment to local businesses, we have collaborated with the We Work DC program to teach computer soft skills, entrepreneurship, marketing, and budgeting to residents re-entering society, as well as DC residents looking to learn new skills, ages 21-65. Our programs have also made an impact with middle schools within the DC area, providing troubled youth with an outlet through entrepreneurship skills, creative writing, meditation, songwriting, and valuable budgeting lessons, empowering them for a well-rounded future.
We extend our reach to residential communities by employing visual artists for engaging events throughout the DMV area. Our multifaceted approach, which now includes music marketing, encompasses artist development for individuals aged 5 to 24. We guide them through studio sessions, artist boot camps, treatment creation for music videos, and the planning of local and national tours. This holistic strategy aims not only to nurture artistic talent but also to strategically promote and market their music, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful presence in the industry.
Looking ahead, our vision for the next five years is to continue growing and expanding the impact of B.A.E. We are enthusiastic about the future, the opportunities to come, and the positive influence we can have on businesses, artists, and communities. B.A.E is not just a business; it’s a dynamic force for empowerment, creativity, and positive change.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I identify three pivotal qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been instrumental in my journey. Firstly, a profound passion for music and entertainment has been a driving force since my youth. Even as a cheerleader, I found joy in putting on shows and practicing my craft. This innate passion has fueled my dedication to the world of entertainment.
Secondly, my extensive journey in artist development from the age of 10 to 27 played a crucial role in shaping my strong passion for the entertainment business. Through years of hands-on experience, I absorbed valuable insights and honed my skills, learning from both successes and challenges.
Thirdly, my dual background in property management, spanning over 15 years, alongside my role in entertainment, has provided a unique blend of skills. This experience has imparted financial management skills, an understanding of budgeting, and insights into effective marketing. Collaborating with my husband, who brings a talent for visual art, we synergize our skills, creating a formidable force in the industry.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to leverage what you already possess to propel yourself forward. Knowledge is paramount, so immerse yourself in continuous learning. The more you learn, the more you can teach. Embrace your passions, draw from your experiences, and combine diverse skills to forge a path uniquely tailored to your aspirations. Success often lies at the intersection of passion, knowledge, and resourcefulness.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of our mission. We are actively seeking partnerships with non-profits as we are deeply committed to giving back to the community. Our passion lies in making a positive impact, and we believe that collaborating with non-profits aligns perfectly with our values.
Furthermore, we are eager to connect with other business owners who share a similar mission. Building a network of like-minded entrepreneurs allows us to amplify our collective efforts and contribute to the community on a larger scale.
Our doors are always open to creatives of all kinds. If you are a creative individual, whether in the realm of music, visual arts, or any other creative pursuit, we would love to meet you. We believe in the power of collaboration to spark innovation and bring diverse talents together for exciting and meaningful projects.
If you’re reading this and interested in collaborating, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with us through eventsbybae@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @b.a.e.llc. We look forward to meeting and working with passionate individuals and organizations who share our vision for positive community impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebaellc.com
- Instagram: my personal instagram is : @iamlexit my business Instagram is @b.a..e.llc
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/iamlexit
- Twitter: iamlexit
- Other: https://linktr.ee/BAEent?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e9133a7f-2f7d-4640-b361-2c37737dc011
Image Credits
pictures taken by my camera the first picture is me and a dj, not my husband