Hi Loves,

It’s already July and I actually don’t know where the time has gone to tell you the truth. My next guest is a multifaceted, creative goddess that speaks to my soul. Our beliefs, self care practices and creative processes line up almost to the T and not only that, she is just gorgeous af!

I’m talking about Lauri Levenfeld founder of AgentC by Lauri Levenfeld. Just a brief synopsis about Lauri, she is dedicated to the art of strategy, storytelling and visual narrative to promote conversation and inspire community. She’s a mover and shaker with so much to express to the world. and I cannot wait to dive into our interview.

Meet Lauri Levenfeld – Founder of AgentC + Producer + Brand-Builder + Filmmaker + Photographer

Thank you so much Lauri for being apart of my community, my various platforms and my life.

Please help me welcome my next guest🎙❤️👠✍🏽✨

Lauri Levenfeld

Founder of AgentC + Producer + Brand-Builder + Filmmaker + Photographer

Featured Entrepreneur: Meet Lauri Levenfeld – Founder of AgentC + Producer + Brand-Builder + Filmmaker + Photographer
Interviewed by: Anna Svetlik De La Rosa
Episode: #97
Date: 07/6/2022

MY INTERVIEW WITH LAURI LEVENFELD

Q1. What did you want to be growing up?

I have always wanted to be someone who could influence and inspire the world through art, intelligence, kindness and creativity. As a young girl, I was a super sensitive, intuitive and connected soul. My creativity paved my way for very enthusiastic (sometimes embellished) storytelling. I loved to gather kids in my neighborhood to embark on entrepreneurial and artistic quests. All of these earlier experiences gave me the confidence to translate “my making of things” into a career focused on building brands, platforms & communities (focused on advocacy) and becoming a filmmaker specializing in producing, creative directing and writing. In college, my childhood love of fine art became the source of my chosen degree in animation.

Photo By: Grace Wethor

Q2. Tell us about you –

I am a dreamer who is determined to make my dreams a reality. My curiosity is my pathway to the risky nature of my process, which constantly leads me to do things I might never have had the courage to do. I am passionate about people who have purpose and want to heal the world. I have traveled all over the world to work because I love to connect, to learn and to be inspired. I want to share stories that will impact others (who in turn will share stories with me) to change lives and influence the universe collectively. I (typically) lead by my heart, then the logic follows. Yet I do know the power in being a great entrepreneur/ business woman (for my art), so that has become a high priority too. I have also realized the power of my voice and the power of women’s voices together.

Sadly, most women do not understand how incredibly powerful they would be with another woman by their side. I was one of two women in my class to graduate from USC in production and I have spent most of my career in an industry where men dominate simply because of opportunities that are presented to them (and not their fellow women colleagues).

It is of the utmost importance now that I do everything I can to support and represent women creatives. Whether on a film project, through our brand agency work or with the platforms we’ve built (theprojectforwomen.com, Project Mentor and Girls Rox), the agenda is to mentor and hire a majority of women for each and every opportunity because the women we hire never cease to do anything but amaze me.

Q3. What is one of your most treasured accomplishments?

I realize my list is a bit more lengthy than one, but I attribute this to the many people in my life who have contributed to my most treasured accomplishments. My husband and my daughter being my #1. They are my biggest supporters (and inspirations) in my life and life’s work. My husband helps me to stay grounded, yet appreciates my need to soar! My daughter is my guide for letting go of unwanted fear, trusting my instincts, and leading life always with curiosity, wonder and heart. She reminds me daily how incredible it is to be creative and how art is our constant connector to the people we love and the places we want to venture.

The day I met Nelson Mandela to work on his documentary (only a few years out of USC) was a game-changer and truly changed the trajectory of my career (and the way I conduct my life). He also taught me the importance of giving back, mentorship, and advocacy which became a life-calling for me. He is also one of the many reasons I built (with help- love you Adrienne Arieff!) The Project for Women & Girls / Project Mentor as platforms to support women and creatives through better resources and mentorship. In less than a week, he taught me the kind of humility, resilience, kindness and determination I would need to hold a prominent position and persevere in my industry as a woman. 

I also deeply appreciate and treasure my AgentC team. It is the people I collaborate with on a daily basis that make me a better person and a better artist. Not only do they provide their expertise and skill set, but they constantly push me to improve mine. I am incredibly lucky to have mentors in my life who consistently challenge me and always encourage me to do my best work.

Last, I believe the personal narrative I am currently writing will be one of my most important works to date and when we raise the money to shoot it, a very treasured accomplishment. A feature film set in Japan; Red Line is a coming of age adventure (think Euphoria meets The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe) set on a train traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto. It is a spiritual story based on my life (and probably the lives of most women I have met) whereby a fantastical, life-altering journey ends in a field of Sika deer and cherry blossoms. I recently got a tattoo on my wrist with the Japanese words for Red Line to remind me to write everyday. It is an Ephemeral Tattoo so I only have 14 months to finish the script, and then, poof(!) the tattoo disappears and so does my deadline.

Q4. Tell how you process workload stress or personal stress or just too much coming at you at one time? Ex: Exercise, Meditation, Journal, EFT Tapping, Running, Writing, Art or all the above.

Ooh I love this question!! I am such a huge believer in having many tools to access self-care. My favorite morning is when I wake up and have the time to meditate and journal. I typically try to wake up before my family (by about an hour), as this is the most peaceful time in the house and it’s all mine.

I write creatively, listen to podcasts, and typically tune in for a meditation by way of Chopra, Gabby Berstein or Calm. I also believe that physical activity is one of the best ways to decrease stress. I love boxing, ballet and I may be the only person who loves doing abs.

Last, being creative in any capacity is a sure-fire way for me to feel grounded, happy and peaceful. Last month I re-created a pair of Ralph Lauren couture jeans I discovered in Vogue (for a whopping price of 5K!) and sat for three nights in a row gluing an assortment of hundreds of “Swarovski” crystals I found on Amazon to my favorite pair of denim. It was magic and meditative to stop and give myself time and space to do it.

Q5. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their very own agency?

I believe the most important thing that one can do if they are interested in telling stories, building brands, or starting an agency is to initiate connection and collaboration with others and to hone in on the skill sets that set you apart (those you are passionate about and love doing!). Ultimately being the founder of an agency gives you the opportunity to work with the best collective in order to create the best product, and so, building a like-minded community who loves to do what you do (and is superb at it!) is vitally important to your success.

Q6. Do you have any secrets or strategy that has worked when building brands?

The only strategy I have, other than the actual “strategy” I create via a deep discovery session with each founder and company I work with is to be a good listener. Then I take the time (with what I have learned) to “connect the dots” on what’s important (and necessary) to the mission, message, and visual story of the person and/ or brand.

Q7. If you could speak to one woman from history, who would it be?

Oh my gosh, that’s so hard! I can name so many women who have been incredibly inspiring to me historically and who have guided my vision. I would have to say right now Rosa Parks, Gloria Steinem, Kathleen Neal Cleaver, Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald and RBG. You pick!

Q8. Favorite quote?

“What is this bad person? I mean there is Hitler, and then, there’s everyone else just looking for a hot meal.” – Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) in Russian Dolls

Or more serious…

“If you’re not listening to your instinct, what are you listening to?” – Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli.

I also love…

“If you dwell in abundance, you will have abundance”- Marianne Williamson

Q9. What are you currently working on that you would like to share more about?

Our agency was recently nominated for three short films which will be premiering at La Jolla International Film Festival in late July. We are also hard at work on a documentary series spotlighting industries dedicated to healing the universe, as well as, a streaming project involving many community gals from The Project for Girls. This project will focus on Generation Z through the voices of young women everywhere and the conversations currently circulating in news and media. 

Q10. Where can we find you?

Website: AgentC: HERE
Instagram: @laurilevenfeld @theagentcbyll
Facebook: Lauri Levenfeld: HERE
Pinterest: Lauri Levenfeld: HERE
LinkedIn: Lauri Levenfeld : HERE

Clips from Current Projects:

Awakened (In theater on stage)

Click Link Below to Watch

Click Link Below to Watch

Going Up Credits (film in Art Gallery)

TITLE: Going Up Credits (film in Art Gallery)

Starring Stephanie Catron @stephaniecatrondesigns

xo,