Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarielys Leon.
Jarielys, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jarielys but I go by Lela, a nickname that was given to me by my mom when I was little. I was born in Puerto Rico but moved to Orlando when I was five. My parents made it a priority to visit PR atleast twice a year since most of my family still lived over there and they wanted us to know the importance of our culture and to be proud of our roots. I can now say at 26 that my parents did an excellent job, I’ve kept up the traditional of traveling back home and am proud to say that being boricua is one of my biggest flex. 🇵🇷🤍
I’ve felt for a long time that I wanted to do something with fashion, but I would always hold myself back each time with a new excuse. During quarantine, I started to follow inspiring pages on Instagram, listen to personal growth podcasts, purchased virtual classes and really took time to learn and grow. I was able to shift my mindset and that’s when I decided to “dejar el miedo en la gaveta” (leave my fears aside) and start creating content.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Before I started to post fashion-related content on IG, one of my biggest obstacles was not having someone to take pictures of the content I wanted to create. Once I discovered what a tripod was, I immediately ordered one on amazon and started to take my own pictures.
It’s been a fun ride but I do doubt myself sometimes when I spend too much time on social media, it can be so easy to compare yourself to others. I think thats the not so fun part. Taking breaks offline is the best way I’ve found to not let it get to me and to be able to remind myself that what I have to bring to the table is just as valuable.
My biggest takeaway from this experience has been that there are people less qualified than you doing what you want to do, simply because they choose to believe in themselves, so start even if you don’t feel ready… I promise you’ll figure it out along the way. ✨
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So I haven’t really shared my current career on IG since I just recently transferred to this position but I am working for an airline in the social media department! I just recently got this position and so far, I love it. It’s something I am passionate about and the flight benefits aren’t so bad! I am proud of the growth I’ve had in my personal life within the last year and the fact that I was able to walk away from a career that I dreaded and trust God to open up new doors for me.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
We are who we surround ourselves with. One of my biggest supporters (besides my mom, lol) is my friend Jess; she has been there to support and cheer me on throughout this entire process. She is truly the kind of friend that will talk to others about you and tell them they need to follow you on IG when you’re not even around, lol. Ohhh & she just happens to be an incredible photographer so go check her out! Her IG is @jessmariephoto_ ✨
I also have a group of friends and women that I’ve met through the platform that are always encouraging me by sending me sweet messages, leaving comments, and reposting my content. Which means so much to me! There’s too many of these amazing ladies to tag but they know who they are 🤍🤍
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Leonjarielys
