Meet Leigha Crumbley | Singer/Songwriter & Real Estate Agent

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

Hi Leigha, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has played a huge part in my life- it has been engrained into my stubborn and passionate personality. Black sheep, middle child syndrome.. whatever the label is, we love a risk. I’ve built all of my businesses out of one risky idea and I don’t know of one successful person who hasn’t. Without risk there isn’t much of anything at all. We would live in a stagnant and boring world. Sure, you can risk to fail but how about risking to win? When I look back at all that I’ve accomplished, it’s typically because I took a risk after someone or something said “NO”. The resistance can come from your inner circle, outside world or the voice in your head. It’s up to the dreamers to silence the static and really go for it. I believe risking and dreaming are coupled hand in hand. You can’t take a risk without a dream and a dream can’t come into fruition without risk. When I hear the term “risky” it usually has a negative connotation attached to it. I would tend to disagree, as the most fulfilling relationships, businesses and creations are born out of risk. It’s in our human nature. You just won’t hear of any epic tale or invention without major risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been singing and writing music since I was little, rollerblading throughout my neighborhood in the 90’s/early 2000’s, vocally imitating my favorite artists until I found my own. Where I grew up, theatre was the outlet for those talents. When I got my BFA in Musical Theatre in Chicago, I really fine tuned my craft that was mostly self taught, but I hated the world of auditioning. It was day after day of regurgitating someone else’s work that another actor or singer had performed 1,000 times before. I wanted to be my own boss and create my own material. I quit my talent agency and transitioned into singing and songwriting full time. When I started booking shows almost immediately and landed the main opening slot at the House of Blues twice in less than a year, I felt confident in taking my act to Los Angeles. Not only was I the performer and writer, I was the business manager. I booked all of my shows, helped design the merchandise/marketing and cultivated relationships with venues and studios. I was spread too thin and not able to focus solely on the art. Knowing what I know about business now, I wish I had access to a mentor. While I enjoyed the business side of things, my heart belonged to the music. When 2020 hit, everything changed for musicians. Venues closed, shows ceased to exist and creativity seemed to take a huge pause. Los Angeles didn’t feel the same and I was exposed to some things pertaining to the music industry that didn’t align with my true north or ethics. Many creatives felt discouraged and an immense feeling of loss. Like I did with the audition world, I had a profound realization that the truth of the Los Angeles music industry was a place I’d never resonate with. I recalled the wise words of my father echoing in my head, “life won’t go the way you plan”. This was a huge opportunity to take what felt and LOOKED like a failure and turn it into something different. I knew I was good with people and had the skills to manage myself and my business in unknown terrains. I asked myself what was another avenue similar to what I’ve spent the past 15 years doing? How can I transform this disappointment into a winning situation? Dare I… take another risk? The negative inner monologue was relentless. All signs were pointing to real estate. I had always considered it my “back-up plan”, but never actually thought I would have to execute. This is when your perspective can absolutely make or break you. The risk taker in me was up for it. Now, one year into real estate, I have listed millions in dollars of sales and my business is just getting started with no intention of slowing down.

When I made the switch, I faced a lot of backlash and many “friends” walked out on me. The expectation was high and the criticism was real. It was financially and emotionally difficult. However, I am blessed to be surrounded by people who have faced many hardships in their life and refuse to use any of them as an excuse to not succeed and make positive impacts. I would like my story to reflect that. Although I set out to do one thing, the path led me to another. And that’s ok. In fact, it’s more than ok because most often when we are being led down an unexpected path, it is to find our true purpose. In my eyes, success is defined by what you do with your failures. How do you stand back up after taking a hit? Are you more positive with a greater sense of understanding? Are you reflective and hold accountability for yourself? I want people to know that when it all feels hopeless and one dream has seemingly died, just on the other side of this dark moment, a future much wilder and brighter exists. Stay hopeful and in faith because the unknown is one of the greatest gifts we can receive.

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?
Right now I’m between Tampa, FL and Colorado Springs, CO. If it was a sunny 75 degree day in Tampa, I’d pack the cooler, head to Honeymoon State Park beach and walk a couple miles north on the island. Set up camp and enjoy a peaceful day on the most secluded beach in the area while watching dolphins and other wildlife pass by. To me, that’s Florida in its truest form. In Colorado? We’re hitting the slopes at 8AM, skiing for a few hours then strut the village for a cocktail, coffee or snack. The rest of the day we’ll finish out on some black diamonds till our legs hurt and it’s time to soak in a hot tub.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my dad. When it comes to ethics, faith and integrity, I couldn’t think of a better example. I’m extremely grateful that my parents equipped my siblings and I with the tools to succeed in any avenue. When I chose music, I entered with a business attitude after watching my father build his from the bottom up. I understood that relationships were everything and treating people with respect, even when not received, was paramount. He hasn’t always agreed with my choices, but he has always been wise enough to let his children fail gracefully, absorb the lesson and move on meanwhile supporting us. My dad has instilled values in me that I will teach to my kids. There just isn’t anyone that I look up to more than him.

Website: https://lcrumbley.bhhsfloridaproperties.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighalists_realtor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-crumbley-60b06a147/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0Ybztp1ocLBj_zCvgpLhg

Other: https://www.leokidd.com/

Image Credits
Leo Kidd Alexis Yorey Zeke Dolezalek Curt Pittman Tracy Mark