Meet Amanda Leigh | Philanthropist, Performer & Producer

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

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2020 my personal triumph in healing kicked started this entire movement, to help those who don’t have a voice. I put together an intimate brunch of my closest friends & family called “I AM HER” to share my story for the first time publicly. The goal was and is to raise awareness on the increasing statistics and threatening reality females face on the daily, while giving back to local organization to further help their programs and resources for violence against women. Little did I know my little act of courage would inspire many around me to own their own trauma, and lean into recovery.

Thus LEAD by Leigh was born – the motto “Leading Equality Advocating Diversity” drove from a lack of supporting resources and education to challenge the system. Being from Canada our healthcare is universal, and things like reproductive rights isn’t one that’s questioned or challenged. When the decision to overturn Roe vs Wade happened in the United States, my heart sunk. As a sister country we all felt the incredible wave of fear, and could hear the screams of pain. I knew I had to utilize this platform, and launch my foundation around the female experience and what that looks like from our diverse sisterhood. The concept for this artistic protest started with abortion, and it was clear that everyone was divided but one thing was true – Regardless of our journeys, we are strong together. So whatever ‘pro’ you stand behind you are part of this unique journey called womanhood.

I’m with her, I was her, I AM HER

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m not typically one to gloat, however what sets me apart is my ability to adapt and my hunger to grow. I grew up as a dancer, and an athlete – I trained for the olympic in track & field, and competed at a national level as a ballerina and won plenty of titles. This led me to cheerleading, which led me to modelling, which led me to acting, which led me ultimately to directing.

As a model, I certainly made a name for myself – but not without work. At six feet tall, it was clear I was either going to do basketball or walk the runway – however, I was considered plus size for high fashion. I was able to still book shoots & shows, however I was never taken seriously. Until social media took off, and I was in control of my career. I booked 8 covers, and 25 publications in just one year. I became one of the few Playmates to now be enhanced, and graced the pages of 5 different countries and hosted for Naked News. I grew my following, verified my account, and did this all without giving a cut to an agent.

As a professional dancer, I’ve been extremely blessed to have performed around the world. My highlights consist of opening the 2010 Winter Olympics, cheerleading for the CFL & NLL, backup dancer for FISHER, Tiesto, and Chainsmokers, headlining Contact Music Festival (3 times), performing stunts for TV series, Lucifer, and Altered Carbon – and most famously Twilight: Breaking Dawn.

But as an entertainer as a whole, none of the names or credits can compare to the feeling I have of truly moving an audience. I’ve been using my craft to tell stories since I was a kid, and even as an adult I am able to use this gift to spread awareness for global issues,

I spent the last year, photographing 100 different women with unique stories of survival, oppression, and resilience. It’s led me to a beautiful place of humility and rage, where all I want to do is continue spreading this message of understanding and compassion. Previously mentioned, this project I AM HER – started as a small shoot for online only, yet here I am producing my very first gallery exhibit.

If I look back at my career(s) I cant help but wonder what Success actually means. On paper It appears I’ve accomplished more then most – but what’s really makes me proud of myself is the person I have become. This version of myself is an incredible women and if you knew my past, you would never believe I could get here.

Without going into detail, my childhood was hard. I gave up alcohol 2.5 years ago to dedicated my time, and energy into healing. It’s been the most challenging period of my life, and I’ve wanted to give up. But every time I try, I remember that little girl I once was and I cant let her down. My conscious has me viewing the world with entirely different eyes, and its beautiful.

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?
If my friends were in town for one night only, this would be the itinerary

Hotel: W
Food: Ocean44
Drinks: Toca Madera
Club: Bottled Blonde, then Casa Amigos
Activity: Top Golf

My favourite thing about Arizona is the accessibility, and how you can absolutely turn up or turn down. I love that its not as congested as my hometown Vancouver. I come from high-rise city, so the ability to just go to a friends house and enjoy the pool in the backyard brings back the nostalgia of a house party. Its just an entertaining town – whether its BBQ, boating, clubbing, dining, hiking, ect. It just makes sense.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank my team, that consist of award winning makeup artist Jennifer Little, and internationally published photographer Thomas Gould – for their incredible talent, friendship, and dedication to this project & their craft. I Am Her would not be what it is today without the help of you two.

And my incredible mother, who’s stood by me relentlessly during my late nights, early mornings, and dark days. You inspired me to keep going, and believe in my bright future. I am blessed to walk alongside you in this life. I love you.

Instagram: amandaleigh.13

Other: September 28th, 2023 I AM HER: A Nights of Arts & Activism: https://iamher-thegallery.eventbrite.com Visit @leadbyleigh on Instagram for more info!

Image Credits
Thomas Gould + Jennifer Little Timothy Nguyen + Moore Entertainment Karolina Turek + Kym Swank Gregg Acuff + Teaseum Playboy