Meet Leah Ponds | Video Producer and Fine Artist

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

Hi Leah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe taking risks is a part of growth, and following through with taking risks begins with courage. It takes courage to take a leap of faith from where you are currently to where you want to go… all the while not knowing what’s on the other side. That’s how my small business began. Through prayer, I felt directed to leave my stable, full-time job and take a leap into the unknown. It was a huge risk, but the fruit of taking that leap of faith has been life-changing for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been in the creative industry for the entirety of my professional career, over 20 years. I graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree and went on to work at a family-owned offset printing company for my first job after graduation. Each position after my time at the printing company built upon the former, and gave me the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience and skill. I even took a professional hiatus and became a full time nanny in my late twenties, early thirties. Playing a vital role in families helped me develop the interpersonal skills that I still use today. Nothing worth anything is ever easy. There were times that I didn’t know what I wanted to pursue! Having so many things that I enjoyed, yet no real direction, made it difficult to know WHAT to focus on. Also, early in my career, I didn’t yet have the skills to pursue anything that was a sustainable business, and it was frustrating not having any real direction. I have to always mention my faith when sharing about how I overcame challenges. The Lord really put me in positions to be challenged and to grow. After my years as a nanny, I was propelled by a series of positions where I grew in my skills as a graphic designer and eventually as a video producer. As I began to develop as a videographer and video editor, I fell IN LOVE. My faith and dependence on Jesus Christ helped me through my most challenging times. He has given me so many creative ideas and helped me to develop the skills to help bring these ideas to fruition. Along the way, I’ve learned to not take any job, opportunity or season for granted. It may look like you aren’t growing or developing, but you are, in fact, developing in ways that will benefit you going forward. No time is wasted. This is especially true if you have put your life in the hands of God so that He can direct and order your steps. That is what He has done for me, and it has led me to exactly where I am today. My brand, my story is all rooted in purpose. My purpose is to serve God and love His people. I can do that by doing my most excellent work and loving and honoring God in the way that I interact with all those I have the pleasure of serving along the way.

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.
I love this question! I love the Charlotte area (I technically live in Concord, NC, but I lived in Charlotte for over 30 years before moving to Concord in 2018)! If my best friend was here for a week, I would first explore downtown Concord with them and take them on a mini food tour. I would take them to Press & Porter in downtown Concord for a cup of coffee and then head over to Chocolatier Barrucand for an Oreo Cheesecake. Yum! We would pop in and out of shops (and likely stop by The Sweet Life for a macaron, hee hee), have a sandwich or burger at 2 Gals Kitchen and end the evening with dinner at one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Gianni’s Trattoria. On a different day, I would take them for a walk (or jog) on the greenway in Concord, which is a short 2 minute drive from my home. I also would take them (depending on the season) to a baseball game in Kannapolis! After a 15 minute drive from Concord, we could watch the Kannapolis Cannonballers play! In Charlotte, depending on the season, we could visit Freedom park for a walk or a picnic, and then have dinner at Catalina Kitchen and Bar on 7th Street or 131 Main in SouthPark. I’m a foodie (can you tell?), so good food and quality time are my jam. I also love theatre, so I would love to take them to a show at the Blumenthal in downtown Charlotte.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! My faith in Jesus Christ has been paramount in my journey as a small business owner.
I also would be remiss to not mention my dear mother who has supported my creative journey since I was 3 years old! When she realized I never drew stick figures, she was convinced that I was going to be an artist! Also I want to give a huge shout out to my teachers throughout the years who always encouraged my creativity and often appointed me as “class artist.” Finally, if I may, I want to give a huge shout out to my dear friends. They have been so very supportive of this new season, and I’m so thankful for each and every one of them! They are the cream of the crop!

Website: https://leahpondscreative.com

Instagram: @leahpondscreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahponds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahponds/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfullyyours1684