Meet Lisa McClendon | Singer/Songwriter/Life Pursuer

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

Hi Lisa, how do you think about risk?
I quit my traditional job on July 28th of this year to live my dream of being a full-time artist again. That’s what you call RISK! Risk looks like getting in the car and going somewhere, you may or may not get into an accident. Risk looks like starting a new relationship, you may or may not get your heartbroken. But we take risks in hopes of reaching a desired outcome. Taking a risk in my life means, I’m reaching for something that I believe I can have, something I feel is worth having. There’s something that I desire but it will never be possible if I don’t take the risk. And should I take the risk and don’t get the desired outcome, there’s joy in knowing that life has an unlimited supply of risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am award-winning soul-gospel-jazz recording artist Lisa McClendon, based in Tampa, FL. I have toured the US and abroad including headlining in Europe. I have 3 published books, my favorite being, “The Adventures of L.J. the Great, I’m So Proud of Myself,” a children’s book inspired by my son, that teaches children how to be proud of who they are.

I think that’s just it, we are more alike than not. I don’t actually believe that I am set apart. With the exception of my name and my physical appearance, I’ve grown to understand that every part of me inside is a reflection of someone else. My kindness doesn’t set me apart because there is someone else in the world who is also kind. My sound doesn’t necessarily set me apart because I’m often told that my sound resembles someone else. If I had to say it thou, maybe that is the thing that sets me apart is knowing that I am not apart and embracing that. I know the power of that. When we realize how alike we are, it gives space for grace and empathy as well as understanding for others.

When I see your mistake, I see my own. I see your strength, I see my own. I see your gift and creativity, I see my own. I see you, somewhere in there I also see me.

I got to where I am today because of painful heartbreaks, stinging rejection, and hurtful disappointments. It was the craziness of my life that pointed me to my own sanity because I refused to be defeated. After my divorce (7 years ago), I lost everything but gained everything. I had to ask myself some tough questions about my role in my life. Why had I given everyone else power over my life, then I was angry when they wrecked it. I had to ask myself where the fear of conducting my own life came from. I had to learn how to get that power back or else I would lose it again. I got that power back after I started learning how to heal. Once I healed, I learned how to turn my attention inward and how to be more accountable for my own life and my own thoughts. It was the hardest and the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I want the world to know that my brand champions healing and awareness. I take my life, transform it into lyrics, and sing about it, in hopes that someone finds their own story and resolution in it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a week’s time with a friend, I’d give them a variety of experiences. First night, I’d welcome them to a fancy dinner, perhaps at the Tampa Edition Azure restaurant. This place highlights class and sexiness. The next day, I’d take them to a nice diner to give them a laidback vibe with the locals. I’d make sure we spent time around nature, perhaps at a local plant nursery, like Manny’s Daughter. I’m not sure if they’d be a fan of the gym but I’d strongly encourage them to join me at Eos gym (my morning go-to) for some good sweat, and Tampa City Boxing to punch some bags, and then some quiet time in the sauna. I would totally flip the script on them by hitting a great ice cream parlor right after our workout. 1 cone won’t hurt, right? The Tampa Bay area is known for its beautiful beaches, so hitting Clearwater Beach is a must. I would cross my fingers for good wind so we could fly some kites on the beach as well. Sometime during the week, we would hit the city public scooters, one of my favorite playtime when I’m downtown Tampa. This would be our time to enjoy the rush of downtown while admiring the beautiful high-rise buildings. During our ride, we would drop into the Farmacy shop for a plant-based Philly cheesesteak. Yes! They do exist.

I wouldn’t want to burn them out, so we would definitely visit a museum or two to slow down the pace, then enjoy a picnic at our downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixton Park and while we are there, we would enjoy a cold ice-pop.

A trip to Tampa would not be a trip with a visit to Ybor, the premier nightlife spot. We would bar hop on Ybor, find some pizza joints, and sit in on some live jazz.

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’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, Goldia. Because of her, I am. I’ve watched her be a cheerleader for everyone else her entire life while quietly needing a cheerleading herself. These poms poms are for you Mom. I believe in you. I’m cheering for you.

Website: @iamlisamcclendon

Instagram: @iamlisamcclendon

Linkedin: @LisaMcClendon

Facebook: @LisaMcClendonMusic

Other: linktr.ee/iamlisamcclendon