Rising Stars: Meet Leslie Robinson of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Robinson

Hi Leslie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated college with a journalism degree right before blogging became popular so after college I went in a different direction and worked in the internal communications department for a casino in Indiana. After that, I got married and my husband joined the Marines so we moved down to North Carolina. At the time, Jacksonville, NC was the lowest paying city in the country so I pivoted again and started a career as a Realtor for a national home builder.

Once COVID started the job became incredibly stressful because of supply chain issues that cause long delays in houses being completed and fell into a deep depression. At the time, I was a single mom of two, working 50+ hours including weekends and felt like I could never come up for air. Festivals were my therapy before I started going to therapy, so I started attending as many as possible and dreamed of being a festival blogger.

Then, I met my now-husband on Facebook Dating and he told me to quit my job and he’d take care of the bills. This blessing is what gave me my start as a festival blogger and influencer and thus, A Vibe Called Fest was born.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a blogger and creator, the journey has been smooth. I love what I do so the hurdles feel manageable. What was hardest is that my 20 year old journalism experience was all for print, so learning how to digitize everything at 40 was a challenge.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a festival journalist. Unlike many creators, the blog and Instagram page is informational because I nerd out on festivals and want to share the info with others. But, as detailed as things may be, I’m an artist at heart. Before getting serious about my career in college, I was in the choir and considered being a dance major. Junior year when I started focusing on a career path, the creative in me started to die. Starting A Vibe Called Fest let me tap back into that side.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to attend festivals and conferences in your niche. It’s a great way to learn new things and meet like-minded people. I’ve been amazed by how helpful complete strangers can be.

Pricing:

• Blog post, $200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avibecalledfest.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avibecalledfest?igsh=MXduazJxZWt4c3JxNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntersectionofDope
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avibecalledfest/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@avibecalledfest