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

Hi Lesley, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I feel like my superpower of “delulu confidence” got me to where I am. It gave me the courage to chase my dreams and truly, enjoy the whole process and journey, because I am always so optimistic and confident. I feel like this type of superpower is especially beneficial to my industry (entertainment), because it helps us stay strong and survive through rejections.
Of course, there’s other important habits and practices such as continuous learning and improvement, building your circle and supporters, staying updated and consistent with your skills and talents.
But for me, it seems like my superpower has helped and blessed me most with my success and brand!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started out as an indie singer-songwriter, then ventured into acting a year after my musical debut. And boy, oh boy, have I been lucky.

Sure, it took me 12 years to “make it” (honestly, I still feel like I’m not fully there yet), but my career, with all its ups, downs, has been such a whirlwind of a wonderful ride.

I never wanted to be seen as a nepobaby… which, to be fair, I absolutely am. But because both my brother and I chose to stay independent instead of signing with management companies, we became hell-bent on proving to ourselves and the world that we could build something on our own.

Now that I’m older, and hopefully wiser, I realize it was never really about proving anything to anyone. It’s not about how people view you, or whether your art is considered “successful.” What matters most to me is that every song, show, film, and piece of art I’ve put into the world has been honest, personal, and true to who I am. And to me, that’s the good shxt!!

And ironically, choosing the “I’ll do it myself” path forced me to become the kind of artist I’m proud of today: independent, adaptable, resourceful, and multi-skilled.
No manager? Fine! I became my own manager.
No producer? Fine! I learned how to make music.
No stylist for the red carpet because I was broke? No worries! Sew the damn dress!

Nothing about this journey has been easy, but man, has it been fun!

Eighteen years into my career, I’m still learning, still evolving, and having a BLAST!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A year and a half into LA, I feel like I have a pretty good list of my favorite spots in the city.
I love the Los Angeles State Historic Park. It is so beautiful, clean, and always a chill vibe. I love to have solo picnics there with my fur baby, and write lyrics and scripts there.

Another favorite spot is Atwater village. LA is not exactly walkable, so I was excited to find an area where I could walk around, shop around, and enjoy a nice coffee.

And of course, you can’t beat the Huntington Library. What a beautiful, beautiful garden!

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 dedicate my Shoutout to my father, who is an absolutely legendary actor. Being able to witness his undying passion for his art, even at 81, has been both inspirational and motivating. Growing up, seeing the excitement in my father every time he has a new project and script, made me realize the absolute fun and privilege in doing what you truly love–and being lucky enough to have a successful career with that.
I’ve learned to be almost recklessly joyful, grateful and excited about my art and work, that even during the down times when I was out of work or broke, I was still sure of my path and focusing on the journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleychianglove

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/lesleychiangofficial

Other: Spotify:

Image Credits
Joey Ng

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