Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Cordova.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Leah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a Chicana, born to immigrant parents and a family of seven. I grew up with little means and few resources but that is also true for so many of us living here in Los Angeles. I am the face of many. So in a reality, I am no different. The only thing that distinguishes me is my purpose and calling. The facts about my life, where I was raised, how, with what means, to what family does not define me, or bound me. To this day, it has never been a chain, but my roots have been deeply rooted within me and have decorated me with fruits. Despite my unlikely circumstances my spirit always had a thirst for more- for a life that is grand, adventurous, free and wild. And thus, all my actions so far have been unconventional. I could not succumb to the mold this society imposed on me and assumed for me the 9-5 Job, the latest car, the home, a family- I wanted more out of life. I wanted to see truth, beauty, what is real and have sought it. I have traveled to many countries, lived in many cities, have worked in coffee fields, and have done writing residencies in Europe and I do not intent to stop. My heart wants so much more than a conventional life and like my heroes John Steinbeck, Frida Kahlo, Paulo Cohelo, Walt Whitman (to name a few) I will pave the way to the truth I seek however desolate it feels.
Great, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I have gambled my heart like a fool. I could go on to describe more but perhaps in conversation. However, my heart is the only thing I listen to. I always trust that despite reaching rock bottom my heart is the only true thing I possess and it is the one that keeps me going and gives me hope. Even if I have felt like a single star in the expanse universe, if there is but one tiny glimmer in the far distance, I hold on to life by a thread.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I love, that is what I feel I am supposed to do here. I love life. and I intend to give love, show love, be love- I am human of course, but I try and try again to do what I love. So, that is to write, to sing, to dance, to perform, to model, to be the picture I feel I need to be, the role model, and to say yes to life and all that it has in store for me whatever that may be. I am proud to say that I have traveled fearlessly, I have sung for people on a stage and on the streets, I have been photographed, and I have modeled, I have danced, and have gained a Master’s degree in the Arts and I hope to one day write a book. I am always in search for what is true, what is real, what is beauty. I’m not sure why, but I think that is what sets me apart. I’m a hopeless romantic, a fool, some might say.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I hardly consider myself a success. In fact, I lead a very humble life, with little means- still- I prefer it this way. I feel authentic this way. That is if success means making decent money and having some stability. Success for me would mean happiness. So in that retrospect, qualities or characteristics that I consider essential would be to have peace, love, positivity, lightheartedness, to be childlike, loving, adventurous, free, and a person full smiles and laughter.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_leah_cordova
- Other: https://bluebirdink.blog
Image Credit:
Esau Villasenor, Photographer; Francisco Quevedo, Photographer/Cinematographer
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