Leigha Renee is a dynamic Realtor, chef, hospitality content creator, author and serial entrepreneur who continues to build a life rooted in creativity, connection and self-belief. Having overcome the profound loss of both her parents and a personal transformation that began with her journey from 350 pounds, she has learned to turn adversity into fuel for growth and reinvention. Deeply spiritual and passionate about helping others, Leigha also operates a botanica while pursuing new ventures, including a community-focused real estate event in Chicago. Through every chapter of her journey, she embraces resilience, manifestation and the courage to trust herself while creating the life she envisions.

Here is the Q&A session we had with Leigha Renee.

Leigha Renee As Cover Story Interview – August 2026 Magazine Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

My name is Leigha Renee—Realtor, Chef, Hospitality Content Creator, Author, and Serial Entrepreneur. I’m always in route to adding another accomplishment under my belt. I’m passionate about creating, connecting, and building businesses that allow me to express different sides of who I am. At the core of everything I do, I’m simply a woman who believes in betting on herself and creating the life she envisions.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

One of the greatest hardships I’ve experienced is losing both of my parents. It was an incredibly low and painful period of my life, and losing them changed me in ways I’m still discovering. However, I’ve learned to find comfort in spirituality and in knowing that love doesn’t end when someone transitions from the physical realm. I carry the lessons, love, and memories they gave me, and that continues to motivate me to keep pushing forward.

What do people usually not know about you?

People may not know that I’m extremely spiritual and that I operate a botanica, where I help people expand their spiritual palate and explore their own spiritual practices. I truly believe manifestation begins with the thought to do—your thoughts can become the blueprint for the life you create.

Another thing many people may not know is that I was previously 350 pounds. My first business was actually a weight-loss brand, and through that journey I released an online vegan cookbook. That experience taught me that transformation starts from within, and sometimes the person you are becoming requires you to completely reinvent yourself.

What sets you apart from others?

My ability to transmute any situation sets me apart. I’ve learned how to take challenges, disappointments, and difficult seasons and turn them into fuel for my next level. I don’t believe in giving up simply because something didn’t go according to plan.

I trust myself deeply. Even when I don’t have every answer, I know I’ll figure it out. That confidence and resilience have carried me through some of my hardest moments, and I truly believe that no matter what life puts in front of me, I will always find a way to win.

What are your upcoming major events?

I’m always being invited to amazing events throughout the city of Chicago, but one of the projects I’m especially excited about is a real estate event I’m currently curating.

My co-host and I are creating a space designed to connect real estate professionals with valuable resources while also educating first-time homebuyers and individuals who are considering purchasing but simply don’t know where to begin.

We’re looking to collaborate with vendors, real estate professionals, and industry resources who want to be part of creating meaningful connections within the community. If you’re local to Chicago and interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect!

What expert advice would you like to give?

If you don’t know what to do next, go within.

Take a moment to sit in silence, quiet the outside noise, and allow the Creator to guide you toward your next steps. We live in a world that constantly tells us to move faster, do more, and have all the answers, but sometimes the greatest clarity comes when you simply become still.

And most importantly, remove fear from your reality. Fear has a way of keeping us attached to places, people, and situations that no longer serve our elevation. Trust yourself, trust your journey, and have the courage to move forward.

Your social media handles and website links?

• Instagram: @ManifestingLeighaRenee
• TikTok: @ManifestingLeighaRenee