Meet Autumn Elizabeth Leffew | Photographer, Artist, Songwriter and Performer, Model & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Elizabeth Leffew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn Elizabeth, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite affirmation is “you are what you are, until you are something else. Remain humble and honest”. I started out in life in a very low station economically. My household was really chaotic and violent, and there were a lot of drugs and alcohol abused by the adults who were supposed to care for my siblings and I. I knew I wanted to make something more out of my future, so I focused very hard on observing and learning from my environment, instead of emulating it. As a result in adulthood, it is now very natural and easy for me to empathize with people from all walks of life, and (without judgement) reflect and grow from all interactions and experiences. This statement reminds me to remember where I came from, always value the dedication it took to develop from a life like that to one of entrepreneurship, appreciate all the ways I have grown and changed along the way, and to remain true to my integrity. This is all in order to keep my path one I can be proud of, and I am proud. I think I repeat this to myself so I never quit valuing the present moment as the golden opportunity that it truly is.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Though I am a photographer, songwriter and performer, model, and painter, I study and have a passion for behavioral science. Having a natural talent for reading behavior, a mind to commit to the study of human nature, and a love for people made it a no-brainer that I would want to use my personal history and knowledge of people to better the world somehow. It was this line of thinking that made me know that I should write a book using the experiences I have had in life paired with scientific concepts I have learned. This book is three sort chapters away from being completed and ready to see the light of day. Upon its completion, I hope that my unique perspective, and proven science can marry into a digestible and entertaining tale for those with a thirst for personal development and a love for a heartwarming story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend was visiting Grand Rapids, I would first take them on a tour of the best places to have a lovely meal. In my opinion, Grand Rapids has some amazing fine dining restaurants such as MDRD, Butcher’s Union, Scholar, Divani, Leo’s Seafood, and Mangiamo. After eating, I would take them for a cocktail at a premier cocktail lounge. Perhaps we would visit Drip Drop, The Nightwatch Lounge, Side Bar, Lumber Baron, or Rendezvous. After this, a walk by the Grand River would be invigorating on our way to a musical, ballet, or symphony performance at the Devos Performance center. Other than things like this, Grand Rapids boasts many public museums, a scenic zoo, comedy clubs, cooking classes, hockey games, concerts, and so much more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would most like to grant credit to my trials as the main reason I continue to flourish in life. Though that may seem a bit backwards, I truly believe every loss, struggle, pain, and heartbreak in life gave me the intense drive I have. I am thankful for each challenge I have faced, and believe that I would happily endure them again if I went back to the past and was offered an alternative. Instead of bending at the winds of life, I learned that I was strong enough to withstand the forces at work.

Instagram: @zeitgeistyou

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@summer.autumn.winter7108

Image Credits
all images by @zeitgeistyou (Autumn Elizabeth Leffew)