Photography by Phelan Marc
Leonard DeShield
~ Event Producer/Promoter ~
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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Copa: Where are you from?
Leonard: I'm from Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa). Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Leonard: Well I received my educational Foundation from my mother who co-founded a private school in Liberia named The Isaac A. David Sr. Memorial School. Upon arriving in the United States, I attended High School in Greensboro, North Carolina and then completed my Bachelor's of Art degree at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Copa: Have you always been a good organizer and pacesetter?
Leonard: I can't say that I've always been good. It's in my DNA. However, I can say that I grew up watching one of the best that ever did it - my father, Chief of Protocol. Continue to Rest in Love, Pops. Copa: At what time did you first get involved with event promotions and in your opinion, why are you so good at it?
Leonard: It was weird how I got started. One day while on the campus of George Mason University, I realized that there were not that many activities geared towards black students. So as a person who was in communications, working in the radio and television department, I borrowed the radio station's sound equipment...dragged it across campus into one of the activities hall, and just started playing music. We didn't have any cell phones or text messaging or whatever, so word of mouth was key to get people into building. I was not expecting the crowd that turned out and just dance. I did dance contests and gave away CDs. It was pure fun, and that lit my passion. I love seeing people enjoying themselves. From that point, people kept telling me I was really good at this and I should do it more. So, while in college, I formed, along with two of my college buddies, a promotions and marketing company. The sole purpose of this company at the time was to bring activities to George Mason University that the students never had before. If you looked around at other colleges and Universities in the area (Howard, College Park, etc), Fairfax, Virginia was kind of in the middle of nowhere. To party, students were cramming in cars to drive to these other schools. Students were either risking their lives driving intoxicated from these parties or whatever, so I wanted to create a space nearby that we can have our own fun on campus and not worry about driving at night. |
Flag of Liberia
Map of Liberia, West Africa
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Copa: When did you get the idea to produce "Fashion at the Tower" and how did you create the special concept?
Leonard: The idea for doing a show in DC with Korto Momolu prior to NYFW came about in April of 2019. At that time, I did not know it was going to be at the Tower Club. We had two other venues in mind, and then we were introduced to the Tower Club. Once I signed the contract the name and concept just came to me at 2 a.m. the next day. the staff at the Tower Club was fantastic. The General Manager couldn't have been so welcoming and easy to work with.
Leonard: The idea for doing a show in DC with Korto Momolu prior to NYFW came about in April of 2019. At that time, I did not know it was going to be at the Tower Club. We had two other venues in mind, and then we were introduced to the Tower Club. Once I signed the contract the name and concept just came to me at 2 a.m. the next day. the staff at the Tower Club was fantastic. The General Manager couldn't have been so welcoming and easy to work with.
Copa: Will there be a sequel to the " Fashion at the Tower" Shows coming in the near future?
Leonard: I'm pretty sure. The name has been registered and is in trademark process. As to when it will be...stay tuned, but I will give the heads up first to Copa Style Magazine. Copa: We see that your friend and associate famed International Designer Korto Momolu just completed a show you promoted in New York for New York Fashion Week, this concept was quite interesting. Please tell us what made it such a success? Leonard: First, KORTO is more than a friend or associate. She's like my sister. She is from Liberia, so naturally, I'm going to look out for her. This was probably the most difficult show, and the BEST that I've worked on in terms of showing at Fashion week. Because everything was confirmed six weeks out. The coming together of the Cannabis industry (Women Grow) and high-fashion was something that none of us had experienced. It was amazing!!! |
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Korto Momolu, Photography by Jason Masters
Copa: What does the future hold for Leonard DeShield and DeShield Enterprises?
Leonard: I just want to continue being that person that is genuine, that is honest, that is straightforward with people, and hold people accountable as they should hold me accountable. As far as event planning, when I feel the urge to - I will produce another event, but in the meantime, I am happy working with my clients. I am happy mentoring other PR professionals, looking out for my family, especially my mother -while chilling in the beautiful state of North Carolina - away from the ruckus. North Carolina is a wide open market, and there are a lot to be done, so I'm working and meeting cool people in the state that are of the same mindset as I am. So I will continue to network, meet right people and perhaps put together an event in the state of North Carolina similar to Fashion at the Tower. |
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Later this week in Copa Style Magazine:
