The Woman that Shows Up
She’s Got A Story: Lakesha
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
- Maya Angelou
Whew, Lakesha embodies those words from Maya Angelou. When she shows up she brings the fresh winds of joy and faith with her. And let me tell you, Lakesha is a phenomenal woman who shows up.
When I asked her to describe herself in one word, she said, “Dependable. I say that just because people ask me to do something I’m always going to stay true to my word. If I say I’m going to do it I am going to be there. I’ll be there. I’ll help you out.”
From her children’s schools, to church, to local organizations, to community functions, Lakesha shows up. Any given week you can find her lending a hand to people in her community in show way. Her love of events and drive to come alongside teachers led her to create her own events business, Enspire Events.
A lifelong dancer, Lakesha’s love of dance shows up in all facets of her life – from choregraphing for local schools, to her church, to her own tap & dance journey, classes, and competitions, to night out with her friends. Lakesha wants to create spaces for people to dance…to play…free of judgement or worry. To just enjoy the freedom and creativity dance allows.
What drives Lakesha? Simple, to see other people happy. “If I can do something to make someone else’s job easier, I’ll do it. If I can help them in some way or give them the resources, connect them to somebody else. If they are like ‘this was perfect’ that’s great. I like to see other people happy. I don’t want to see other people struggle, if they don’t have to. If I can help them along the process.”
And while her drive, talents, and willingness to jump in definitely make people happy, let me tell you what really impacts the people around Lakesha. Her smile. Her easy laugh. Her faith. The joy that emanates from her and makes space for you to be yourself in her presence.
“I want to be a safe space for people. I want people to be able to come and let loose and dance, have fun, or just be like look, I’m struggling. And know that they have a safe spot with me, and in that circle and that community. So they feel comfortable talking. I know a lot of people, I know myself, sometimes you just feel alone. It’s like you’re there for everybody else, but who’s there for me? I want to get there spiritually so I can be a base for people to come and talk. Real talk.”
I first met Lakesha during my Phenomenal Woman project in 2021. Her smile captivated me, but it was her authenticity that drew me in. As I put feelers out for this project, Lakesha volunteered again, and I was so excited because this time, I would be able to capture a piece of her story…her heart…and share it with you all. She is a mover and shaker, and those who know her know that! I adore the thought of Lakesha in the schools and the community, modeling dependability and love. She is the woman who shows up, and when she does, she creates a safe, joyful space for others to be wholly themselves.
