That Girl Meets: LaKisa Renee, Owner of LaKisa Renee Entertainment

Meet Female CEO LaKisa Renee, a multitalented Media/Film Industry Professional, Journalist, Host, Actress, Videographer, Voice Artist, and Award-Winning Makeup Artist. She is the Owner and Founder of LaKisa Renee Entertainment, a media, fashion and events company.

As a Media Professional, she is a contributing journalist for Cultured Focus Magazine, In Black Magazine, and Steller Magazine. She’s covered prestigious events such as the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Emmy Awards, The Soul Train Awards, The BET Awards Weekend, New York Fashion Week: The Shows, The Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Brunch, Miami Swim Week: The Shows, Hamptons Fashion Week, Black Fashion Week MN at Paisley Park, Met Gala Events, Dave Chappelle & Friends/Untitled Documentary Screening, Triller Verzuz Battles, The Harriet Tubman Freedom Music Festival, New York City Horror Festival, New Jersey Horror Con & Film Festival.

She has also hosted many events for New York Fashion Week, major fashion and entertainment companies, and events of her own through her entertainment company.

She’s interviewed and covered notable celebrities, including: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Ryan Coogler, Jennifer Connelly, Vivica A. Fox, Bethann Hardison, Hill Harper, Lisa Cortes, Sonia Curry Erica Nicole Malone, Gayle King, Tyler Perry, Levar Burton, Laurence Fishburne, Lynn Whitfield, Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz, Simon Baker, Clayne Crawford, Dave Chappelle, Swizz Beats, D-Nice, Jimmy Jam, H.E.R., Sean Patrick Flannery, Matthew Knowles, Attorney Ben Crump, Pharrell, Spike. Lee, Rev. Al. Sharpton, Pam Grier, Neyo, Fetty Wap, Naturi Naughton, CEO of Ruff Ryders Waah Dean, G Herbo, Celebrity Stylist Zerina Akers, Mya, Ryan Destiny, Jay Reeves, Baby Tate, Sevyn Streeter, Marion Ramsey, Michael Winslow, Fiona Dourif, Bia Ling, The D.O.C., Kurupt, Xzibit, Caldecot “Chubby” Chubbs, Kasi Lemmons, Kristy Swanson, Tony Moran, Alex Vincent, Laquan Smith, Amanda Wyss, The Soska Sisters, Jeremy London, Danny Cooksey, Andrew Bryniarski, Paul Taylor, Bob Elmore & many more.

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, LaKisa has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Tribune, New York Today, Sheen Magazine, Essence Magazine, Wendy Williams Magazine, Swag Her Magazine, Hustle & Soul, Urban Signature Magazine, and Red Ink Magazine. As an actress, LaKisa has appeared in numerous commercials and films featuring celebrities such as Clifton Powell, Robin Givens, Jamal Woolard, Mika Abdalla, Margaret Cho, Paris Jackson & Jake Short. Her award wins include the 2019 National Women of Strength Award. Upper State Independent Award Best Entertainment Promoter, 2018 Best Makeup Artist, and the YARD. Kids Asset Award.

LaKisa, Please tell us about yourself and your proudest moments to date in the film/television and media spaces.

I’m the owner and founder of LaKisa Renee Entertainment, a media, fashion, and events company. I’m also a Journalist, Celebrity Interviewer/Host, Actress, Voice Artist, and Award-Winning Makeup Artist. I have so many proud moments; the first ones that come to mind are covering the Sundance Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Awards. I had the chance to meet so many people who inspired me and interview so many legends in the industry. Attending the Emmy Awards and going viral in a GIF with the cast of Pose will always be memorable for me. Also, going toe to toe with Actress Robin Givens in a movie scene will always be one of my proudest moments.

We are excited to learn about your journey and accolades in the fashion industry. What can you share with us?

I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 20 years. I started out modelling first; then I started doing makeup professionally. I then created my own fashion/entertainment company and progressed into managing models, casting for major brands, being a creative director, and coordinating fashion shows. I’ve had the honor of coordinating and walking in multiple shows for NYFW, Couture Fashion Week, Syracuse Fashion Week, the Faces of Beauty Modeling Team, and more. As a journalist, I’ve also covered and attended Miami Swim Week, Hamptons Fashion Week, Black Fashion Week MN at Paisley Park, the Met Gala Afterparty, and more.

Some of the celebrity designers I’ve covered include Tom Ford, Laquan Smith, Dior, Sergio Hudson, Dennis Basso, Batsheva, Jason Wu, Coach, Romeo Hunte, Tory Burch, Negris Le Brum, Michael Kors, and Thom Browne.

Among your many talents, you’re a trained martial arts professional. How did you get into this field? What have been some of those achievements?

Growing up, I was super athletic, and my dad was a trained boxer. I was obsessed with martial arts films and would always say I would be the female Bruce Lee or Billy Blanks. I first started training as a boxer and got my certification to become a cardio kickboxing instructor. That led me to meet my Sifu Sharif Bey, who noticed my talent, drive, strength, ability to learn techniques and pick up fight choreography easily. From there, he set out to make me the next female action star. I joined Syracuse Kung Fu, where I began to study martial arts, stunt, and weapons training. I made my first action short with my Sifu titled “Enuf” based on the movie “Enough” starring Jennifer Lopez. It was written/directed by Sharif Bey and filmed/edited by Finally Focused Films. Our short film received great reviews from our Urban Action Showcase, held in NYC by founder Demetrius Angelo and sponsored by HBO, Cinemax, and WB. I’ve been able to meet and be mentored by marital arts legends such as Grandmaster Ron Van Clief (The Black Dragon), Robert Samuels (African-American Hong Kong Star/Stuntman) & Hector Soria of R4 Films and Taimak Guarriello (The Last Dragon).

Makeup artistry is something else you’re extremely passionate about. What are the origins of this, and what makeup artist projects have you worked on?

As an art student, I loved to paint, draw and sculpt. When I started modelling, I would encounter makeup artists who were not good at doing makeup for my particular skin tone. So, I figured I would try to do my own makeup at these shoots since I was an artist. I practiced a lot and noticed that makeup artistry came naturally to me. I ended up attending Continental Beauty School to get my professional license as an esthetician and makeup artist so that I could do makeup for others. I’ve done makeup for NYFW fashion shows, modeling shoots, and magazine covers, including one for writer/producer Robin Hertz-Hempel, music artists, commercials, and films. I’ve also done Halloween face painting events and theatrical/special effects makeup and competed in the ACR Health Hair Blowout Competition, where I won 1st place for Best Makeup. My most recent makeup work was as the head/lead makeup artist for the short film “Dread Count,” which was filmed late last year.

What are you currently working on?

I’m writing for Cultured Focus Magazine, In Black Magazine, and Steller Magazine and working on publications, marketing, and promotion for industry and business clients. I’m preparing to travel for the upcoming festivals and event coverage. I’m also working on launching a new media podcast and getting prepared to start training again for some upcoming martial arts movie roles.

What else would you like our readers to know about you, and what can we be on the lookout for?

I would also like readers to know that I’m a licensed esthetician and own a beauty & wellness business called Le Du Jour. I’m currently developing a product line that will feature skincare, makeup and fitness items for the brand.

LaKisa Renee is a proud new member of New York Women in Film and Television. Keep up to date online at her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn

Natasha Lee is a visionary, entrepreneur and advocate for all things SHE led. She has built businesses, raised a family and worked alongside some of the most inspirational women globally.

Her #ThatGirl brand is all about strong female leadership, and she wears what she preaches! Have you seen the red lipstick cute T-shirts?! From an early age (She was an 8-year-old DIVA) to the present day, she worked toward her dreams. Natasha doesn't allow anything to hold her back. You can read all about her journey to becoming That Girl here and if you want to ask her any questions drop into The Community