Meet Danielle Lescure: Storyteller / Case Study Specialist & Content Creator

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

Hi Danielle, what role has risk played in your life or career?
It’s funny, because looking back at when I’ve taken really big leaps in life I never thought of them as “risks” per se. And yet, they really were since each of those choices was truly a dive into the deep end of something I had absolutely no experience with, and I had to figure out how to sink or swim, or simply get out of the water altogether if it wasn’t for me. I prefer the term another woman coined when I told her about some of the all or nothing moves I’ve made in life. She called it “radical action,” and that, for me, is what risk is. Radical action is a mix of wanting to see what other adventures life has to offer and wanting to find out what else you’re capable of. I take radical action when I know I’ve reached the end of one road and need to begin on another. I take radical action when I realize something needs to be done, and I’m passionate enough about it to jump in and do the work. And I take radical action when I can tell I’m stuck and holding myself back. Each time I’ve taken radical action, it never felt risky or dangerous; it felt necessary. So, for me, taking risks — or radical action — is a necessity. And I’m always excited to find out where it leads me. Because even if it doesn’t work out, there’s still something to be learned or gained from it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I jokingly call myself an accidental writer. Unlike so many other writers who grew up journaling, composing short stories, or being creative in some way, I’d only put pen to paper when I had to write an essay for school. A writing career was never something I’d envisioned for myself. Frankly, being self-employed or having any kind of creative career was strongly discouraged growing up. So for years I simply did as I was told and followed the full-time job path, until I just couldn’t do it anymore. Prior to making the self-employment leap, I spent about 20 years in the corporate world doing various levels of admin work, but was never happy there. I job-hopped every 2-3 years thinking the next place would somehow be the right fit. Don’t get me wrong, I was truly fortunate to have great bosses and co-workers. It was never an issue with the workplace I was in, it was how unfulfilled I was doing the work. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be more I was capable of doing. In 2011, I made the decision to cut the 9-to-5 job cord for good. My first foray into being my own boss was to become a professional organizer. At the suggestion of a friend, I started to write up some articles about organizing to see if it would help promote my business and found I really enjoyed the writing process. From there, I started helping another small business with press releases and some social media. Someone else referred me to a nonprofit where I began crafting profile pieces. People would ask me to proof their work. The writing kept falling into my lap. I won’t lie; it felt like I was being sent a message! Realizing I enjoyed the challenge of writing more than organizing, I finally went all in on a writing career in 2019. I decided to focus on case studies because the type of writing I enjoy most is helping people share their stories. Since case studies are customer success stories, they’re a lot of fun to put together. And they’re so impactful because they’re positive. Readers can relate to the journey someone went through from challenge to solution to success or transformation. Leaving the security of a full-time job was a scary decision, and it’s been a bumpy ride since I was very naive about what I was getting myself into. It’s been a lot of work, and plenty of mistakes have been made. There’s been a lot of imposter syndrome and moments of doubt. But because I said “yes” to this new chapter, other opportunities started to present themselves. There’s no way I would have arrived where I am if I hadn’t taken that chance. And there’s no way I’d want to go back now. Working through the challenges, discovering skills I didn’t even know I had, and experiencing success along the way — success I created — well, I’m a case study for being your own boss!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having played tour guide a few times, I know folks love seeing many of the main attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive. Plus, hitting the beach and dipping one’s toes in the Pacific Ocean is a frequent request. But once we crossed those attractions off the list, I’d also make sure they experienced the natural beauty of Los Angeles. I love the number of hiking trails there are around the city and the views are incredible. The Brush Canyon Trail is one of my go-to hiking spots. Both Griffith Park and Descanso Gardens are gorgeous places to spend the day wandering in nature. If we’re hitting the westside and traveling along the PCH, I’d make sure we stopped at Dan Blocker Beach. It’s a lovely, quiet area where you can either stroll along the water or simply sit and take in the view at the picnic tables on the hill. And if it’s summertime, a concert at the Hollywood Bowl is a must. Especially if it’s a classical music night and Bramwell Tovey is in town to conduct. Hands down, my favorite annual summer concert series and a spectacular way to enjoy a picnic and some wine under the stars. The Starlight Bowl in Burbank is another hidden gem for fun outdoor concerts. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, where to start?! It’s always amazing how the right people show up in your life when you’re ready to try something new. I’ve traveled a lot of paths and reinvented myself many times over my 3+ decades of adulthood and been very fortunate to work with and learn from countless mentors, instructors, and friends along the way. The shoutout list would go on and on. I’m a potpourri of influences! Honestly, my dedication would be to the city of Los Angeles. It was the place I dreamed of being as a teenager in Michigan. And though it took me awhile to finally get here, it’s been the place where I’ve allowed myself to explore what’s possible, that encourages imagination and reinvention, and where I can find constant inspiration.

Website: https://daniellelescure.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellelescure/
Other: Online portfolio: https://daniellelescure.contently.com