Today we’d like to introduce you to Lela Christine.
Hi Lela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Lela Christine: A Visionary Force in Fashion, Media, and Community Leadership
Early Beginnings in Fashion
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lela Christine is a dynamic, multifaceted leader with over 20 years of groundbreaking contributions across fashion, entertainment, brand marketing, and digital innovation. A proud graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), Lela launched her creative journey at just 20 years old, working with top local apparel manufacturers whose collections were sold at department stores like Bullocks, Robinsons-May, Contempo Casuals, and Judy’s. Her designs were also featured in national fashion catalogs, quickly establishing her reputation as a rising star within Los Angeles’ Fashion District.
Expansion into Sportswear and Celebrity Styling
Lela’s creative influence expanded into sportswear when she was commissioned by a leading sports apparel manufacturer to design the official menswear line for the L.A. Galaxy Soccer Team—an iconic look that remains celebrated today. Her expertise also extended into entertainment styling, where she collaborated with celebrity stylist Joseph to create and produce Queen Latifah’s head-turning look for the 1998 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Additionally, she partnered with famed stylist Derek Khan to conceptualize and bring to life Queen Pen’s striking blue and gold outfit, featured on the artist’s album cover.
Transition to Media and Entertainment
After marrying and becoming a mother, Lela took a purposeful break to complete business education courses, preparing to expand into marketing and media. Her career reentry began with KCET in the membership sector, leading to an opportunity at 20th Century Fox Studios’ Home Entertainment Division. At Fox’s prestigious Avenue of the Stars headquarters, she worked closely with the President and Vice President, contributing to major national DVD campaigns for titles including Moulin Rouge, Soul Food, and several Tom Cruise-led blockbusters. This invaluable experience opened doors for her in publicity, media relations, film promotions, talent engagement, and high-profile event curation within Hollywood’s business and entertainment sectors.
Strategic Marketing, Political Advocacy, and Community Leadership
Beyond fashion and entertainment, Lela excelled in executive communications, national marketing initiatives, and political advocacy. She led marketing for the Love Makes Things Happen theatrical production, aligning national media partnerships through Vanguard Media (SAVOY and HONEY magazines). Politically, she supported key campaigns including LAUSD School Board Member Marguerite LaMotte’s election and Councilman Bernard Parks’ mayoral bid, working closely with Walker Communications. Her advocacy for community growth and public policy has been a consistent theme throughout her professional journey.
Executive Communications, Philanthropy, and Brand Strategy
Lela currently serves in an executive communications and public relations role for the President and Board of GreenLight Women, a leading organization supporting women filmmakers and producers in TV and film. She also supports the president of a prominent philanthropic organization, specializing in social impact media initiatives. Further broadening her impact, Lela works with NBA and NFL player brands, providing strategic branding services including website development, social media management, brand elevation, and event curation through her expert team. Her ability to seamlessly bridge entertainment, philanthropy, and business has made her a trusted strategist in diverse industries.
Entrepreneurship, Media Leadership, and Civic Engagement
As the founder of DRIVEN BY DESIGN Los Angeles, endorsed by FIDM in 2013, Lela curated a landmark event that drew over 700 attendees and garnered major coverage from CBS News and Los Angeles Magazine. Through her digital media ventures—Power Player Lifestyle Magazine, FAB FIVE Lifestyle, and Goddess Couture News—she continues to empower entrepreneurs and creatives in the digital journalism space across the nation. Her rebranding work for Olympic track star Carmelita Jeter, resulting in high-profile features in Vogue, NBC, ABC, and The Huffington Post, exemplifies her ability to amplify brands through storytelling excellence.
A New Chapter of Leadership
Recently elected to the Park Mesa Heights Community Council in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District Eight, Lela continues her commitment to civic leadership and community advancement.
👉 View the Park Mesa Heights election results here.
Legacy and Future Vision
Lela Christine is more than a creative force—she is a builder of brands, a connector of communities, and a champion for positive progress. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire change and elevate future generations in fashion, media, entertainment, business, and community empowerment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road?
While I can say I am at peace in my life today, the road has not always been smooth. Like many, I have faced my share of struggles—balancing motherhood, career demands, and personal growth. I entered the workforce at just 19 years old as a creative in the fashion industry, thriving until I made the conscious decision to step back, marry, and prioritize raising my children. Letting go of a flourishing career was a sacrifice, but family came first.
Reentering the professional world required a major pivot. I transitioned into TV and film, working at Fox Studios, where I faced the realities of leadership dynamics and challenges in Hollywood. Those experiences eventually led me to entrepreneurship, building a business that allowed me to provide for my family while still pursuing my passions.
The journey has involved obstacles, roadblocks, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, as a proud member of Generation X, I have remained resilient, healthy, and forward-moving. Every challenge sharpened my purpose, strengthened my spirit, and reaffirmed my belief in creating new paths when traditional doors seemed closed. My story is a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and the enduring power of creativity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I operate in two dynamic worlds: brand strategy/public relations and nonprofit media education. After my departure from 20th Century Fox Studios, I transitioned into event production, live events, brand strategy, and public relations, specializing in nonprofit organizations and lifestyle brands. I’m proud to craft compelling narratives that elevate brand visibility while fostering authentic community engagement.
Additionally, I am the Founder and Digital Media Publisher of Lifestyle Elevation Media Foundation, Inc. (LEMF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide. Our mission is to empower underserved youth, senior citizens, and marginalized groups by providing access to digital literacy, AI technology education, and creative media training. Through our digital platforms and educational programs, we’ve helped new media writers, video creators, and influencers thrive—even through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
What sets my work apart is a commitment to innovation, social impact, and inclusion. I take pride in our “DigiLife Indie Youth” initiative, offering tech-driven storytelling workshops to young people and seniors. Our platforms have generated over 500 million digital news impressions since 2010, spotlighting positive journalism and community empowerment. At LEMF, we’re building a future where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and lead in the digital age.
Learn more at LEMF: https://lemediafoundation.org/
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I owe my success to many mentors and advocates. My first inspirations were my father and grandfather, who encouraged my focus on education, and my grandmothers, who instilled integrity and diplomacy in me after my mother’s passing. My time at FIDM shaped my creativity, and the Urban League provided my first business grant. Jewett Walker introduced me to politics, while leaders like Willis Edwards (NAACP), Roland McFarland (Fox Studios), and Sarah Harris (Black Business Association) opened pivotal doors. Influencers like Kathy Bee and the LA County Small Business Commission also played crucial roles in supporting my growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lemediafoundation.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifestyleElevationMediaFoundation
- Twitter: https://x.com/LifeElevateMG
Image Credits
Photos taken by Kaleef Thompson
