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

Hi Leah, are there risks you’ve taken that you are really happy about in retrospect?
I’ve never been afraid of change, even if it’s not “what I want” in the moment. One thing I’ve learned over time is to identify the lessons out of every single experience, good, bad and the ugly. It’s important to understand what you could have done differently and/or would do again. Throughout my life, I’ve moved to places I didn’t know a single soul, quit jobs and went into a different career direction, left relationships that no longer added value to my life. It’s important to remember you must release things that are no longer on your vibration so you’re able to make room for all the things meant to enter into your life. Taking risks is part of life. If you never make the first step, you’ll be plagued with the notions of “what if” … why not just do it and figure it out as you go. That’s how you learn. I created my own business and learning as I go, there are no one-size fits all guidelines to life. Make it your own and write you’re your own rules.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of Harlot an independent beauty brand started in 2019. Lashes have always been a passion of mine, so it was a natural for me to produce high-quality styles that would appeal to anyone. I wanted to offer beauty lovers, enthusiasts and makeup artists exclusive on-trend reusable 3D mink, faux mink and synthetic false eyelash styles that arouse creativity and make everyone who wears them feel beautiful and empowered. We have seven styles available: Jezabelle, Tart, Courtesan, Madame, Provocateur, Strumpet and La Femme. Historically the word Harlot was used in a negative connotation and was directly rooted to prostitution. In the 18th century, (primarily) women but also men who did not come from high society or marry into wealth were left to survive in the toughest of circumstances. Many of them turned to unthinkable ways to make a living. The more and more I learned about some of these women, I didn’t see an offensive person. I saw smart, business savvy, sexually empowered individuals who turned their circumstances into power. Many of these courtesans were statements of wealth, accompanied powerful men in public, shaped politics, fashion and earned their independence. Right or wrong these individuals were strong and turned their unfortunate beginnings into financial independence. So, what is Harlot? We are proud to be the rebels, the sinners, the misunderstood—the outsiders. We applaud all the badasses who give zero fu©#$ what people think about their lifestyle. We embrace different and recognize true beauty. We live in our truth and stand in our power. We are smart, sophisticated, wild and driven. We are Harlots.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I need someone to do this for me! I haven’t ventured around Colorado yet, busy working. I would really love to take some of my friends out to a small little lake town, chill near the water and relax.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my inner circle for always supporting me! You know who you are.

Website: www.youharlot.com
Instagram: @youharlot
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahshoats/
Twitter: @YouHarlot
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youharlot-2239130373014702/

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