Meet Lenise Villarreal | Lover of fashion and other less shallow things

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

Hi Lenise, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. My background and upbringing as a Mexican-American millennial growing up here in the 90s certainly shaped and impacted who I am today. I am proud of my family heritage, but my upbringing was culturally traditional, and I was discouraged from exploring things that did not conform to my assigned gender. Given the early 90s context, it wasn’t surprising that my parents didn’t fully understand or support my early exploration of gender boundaries. This led to some internalized shame as it was seen as a phase that would pass as I grew up. However, my journey to blur the lines of gender identity never ceased.

As an adult, I’ve shed the shame I once carried simply for being myself. My experiences have fueled my desire to create content aimed at making our community a safer and more accepting space for individuals like me. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves and challenge societal norms, fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is an expression of my journey to self-discovery and my exploration of gender and identity. What sets my work apart is its focus on challenging traditional gender norms and expectations. Through my visual content, I aim to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves, regardless of societal pressures.

One aspect I’m particularly proud of is the way my art bridges the gap between fashion, self-expression, and social commentary. It allows me to blend my love for fashion and styling with a deeper message of inclusivity and self-acceptance. My art has been a vehicle for showcasing that fashion is a form of self-expression, and it knows no gender boundaries. I am most excited to just continue to make a statement by simply existing as Lenise in public and occasionally documenting it.

Professionally, getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There’s always anxieties felt due to societal stereotypes and bias. Overcoming these hurdles requires a little resilience, self-belief, and a supportive community. I learned that authenticity is powerful, and staying true to myself is going to be essential for success.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. I’ve discovered the importance of self-acceptance and the power of community in driving positive change. I’ve also realized that art can be a catalyst for social progress.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we stand for inclusivity and self-expression. We celebrate diversity and encourage everyone to embrace their unique identities without fear or judgment. Through my art, I hope to contribute to a more accepting and open-minded world, where individuals can truly be themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver and Colorado offer tons of cool stuff, so it’s tough to choose! In Colorado, I think you’ve always got to check out Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road. Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins each offer their own unique vibe too.

In Denver, I’ve been hanging out at places like Steam Espresso in Platt Park for coffee, South Broadway’s got a fun scene with spots like Illegal Pete’s which is my go to and Desert Social Lounge which is a new discovery. Cherry Creek North is great for shopping and dining; I love Cherry Cricket and Cherry Creek Grill. Union Station and the Highland neighborhood have cool spots like Wynkoop Brewery, Zoe Mama, and My Brother’s Bar. If you want some tasty, no-fuss tacos, Playa Azul on South Federal near my neighborhood in Ruby Hill is a hidden gem.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to my partner. I am forever grateful for their love, support, and encouragement.

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

Image Credits
Nikki Breslin