Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Snipes
Hi Leslie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Sacramento, not LA. I grew up in a single-parent household, and things were pretty tight financially. My mom worked really hard to support me and my siblings, so we didn’t have much for vacations or sports. But she did buy me an old piano, and that’s where my love for music really took off. I taught myself to play by ear, and I was obsessed with film scores. I’d lose myself in movies while my mom was working, which sparked my love for both music and film.
After high school, I went off to study music, but the whole college system felt way too rigid for me. It killed the passion I had, so I decided to switch things up and go for a degree in film instead.
During that time, I juggled a lot of jobs to keep myself afloat as I went to film school. I worked as a marketing assistant in Ventura, did real estate photography on the weekends, and freelanced for another marketing agency. At night, I’d be out shooting music videos or live performances in dive bars and music venues all over LA County.
In my late 20s, I left the marketing assistant gig and became a social media manager at this geeky subscription box company. That job taught me a lot about the importance of community, and it opened my eyes to how social media can actually be a great space for real connections—not just the surface-level stuff people often think it is.
Then, in my early 30s, I landed a job in the strategic communications department at UCLA, where I got to manage and create content for the university’s main brand channels. Working there was like getting the college experience I never had. It was really exciting to be a part of all the big moments at UCLA and to work with such amazing students and professors.
One of my best memories from that time was covering the annual UCLA vs. USC football game. I got to be on the field at the Rose Bowl when UCLA scored the winning touchdown, and watching the players rush toward the victory bell with the L.A. sunset in the background is something I’ll never forget.
After my time at UCLA, I became the Director of Marketing at Believe Limited. We focus on creating content about patients with chronic and rare diseases, and I feel really lucky to be part of a company that’s making such an impact. I’m also lucky to be in a position where creativity is rewarded and thrives, and where I can take everything creative I’ve learned over the years and put it into practice.
On top of that, I had a serious medical issue this year, and being surrounded by such a caring and supportive team made all the difference in helping me get through it. They say timing is everything, and I truly believe I was in the right place at the right time during that experience. It felt like everything aligned just when I needed it most.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is the road ever smooth? 😂
I would say it’s been a long journey trying to find my way into marketing without sacrificing my passion and creativity.
Being a creative is challenging on its own, but marketing comes with its own set of obstacles. A major challenge in the marketing field is constantly having to remind people that your role and the work you do are important.
Most people can see the results of marketing, but it’s a silent art, not easily explained by those who don’t work directly in it. On top of that, I’m naturally a quiet and sometimes introverted person, which can be difficult in marketing because you’re often expected to sell yourself. However, I’ve learned that it’s not impossible to succeed as an introvert in this industry.
Marketing can also sometimes be viewed negatively, as if we’re always trying to push a message or sell a product. Fortunately, marketing has evolved, and now it’s a field that can be deeply creative.
It’s also hard to balance being someone who is naturally creative with the reality that your value is often measured by numbers, metrics, and analytics.
At the end of the day, though, I strive to make an impact on people’s lives and find ways to do that through my work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work on building marketing campaigns and creating content for projects at Believe.
Marketing covers a lot of different areas, and in my current position, I’m involved in social media, email, digital, and experiential marketing.
A few of the TikTok videos and memes I’ve created have gone viral, which I consider one of my biggest flex. Social media can be fun and I love goofy content that makes people laugh.
My approach to marketing mirrors how I approach creativity.
First, never sell—always tell a story. Focus on finding a human connection in the content or campaign you’re sharing.
Second, trust your gut, lead with your heart, and stand by what you believe is right. Tuning out the noise and jargon in marketing and hearing “no” can be tough, but if you truly believe in a decision, listen to your instincts!
What are your plans for the future?
After overcoming my medical diagnosis, I look forward to living life to the fullest. A brush with mortality makes you realize life is short, and we don’t have much time to do what we love with the people we love.
My future involves saying yes to any and all opportunities, meeting new people, visiting every continent, and being present for those who matter most to me.
Creatively, I’m a big comic nerd and anime fan, and I have a couple of my own podcasts and documentaries in those spaces coming soon.
My company is working on a lot of big projects as well (shameless plug), so please be sure to check out some of our work at believelimited.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.believeltd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snipes_fool/
- Other: https://copyfol.io/v/lesliesnipes
Image Credits
Additional Photos:
Leslie Photography: Photo Credit To Tristan Probert
Leslie At Comic Con 2023: Photo Credit To Tristan Probert
Believe Limited Team On Set: Photo Credit To Ed Ballart
All other images taken by Leslie Snipes
