I believe I met with another one of Denver’s “Earth Angels” today; and to get to know her is to love her! Leah Shafer savors her life as a wife, mother, entertainer…. And just recently, she became licensed as an aesthetician and is providing medical grade services with a variety of facials in her new business “Skin By Leah”.
With her unbridled passion and love of people, Leah Shafer has earned her stripes to do anything she chooses. She still has kept her “dream of creating a hit record” intact; and with her captivating voice, I wouldn’t count her out. I got goosebumps listening to Leah sing at (Denver Philanthropist) Don Johnson’s Celebration of Life. She also recently sang at an event for former President George W. Bush, and says she loves America and singing the national anthem.
“The Luck Charm Singer” for the Denver Broncos games (they win every time she sings the national anthem for them) started writing and recording songs at age 14. Genuinely kind and refreshingly honest, Leah - as she says - has a “heart for the broken” and communicates and inspires through her music to those who are suffering from tragedies or abuse. She is often the singer at a service right before people are ready to hear a “powerful message” from a member of the clergy. She is a huge advocate for the program Celebrate Recovery; a Christ-based Recovery Program.
Leah has worked hard to get to where she is and relishes her life and her love of God. When I asked Leah Shafer what she wanted people to know about her, Leah’s response was: “Nancy, there is so much I would love for people to know about me. I have a huge heart for the broken and love people. I deeply care for other’s when they are lost. I have a lot of love to give but have learned, and am still learning, to be loving with boundaries.”
“I’ve learned that I can help others by being an example in my own life. I love REAL. Nothing is more refreshing when there are no masks being worn in life. I love studying the human mind and have a hard time when others are unethical and have poor character and continue to live that way taking advantage of others along the way. Sometimes others bring me down, but I will continue connecting with others without an agenda and just by being me!”
And that pretty much sums up my new friend Leah!
When did you first know you could sing? When I was in the 5th grade. I auditioned for “Annie the musical” and ended up making the lead role of Annie. From there I fell in love with singing/musical theatre and performing.
What do you consider your best performance ever (everything just clicked), and where was it? There have been so many but the one that stands out the most is singing at the AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME on National Television for the BRONCOS VS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. WE WON!
What do you do to get mentally psyched up and inspired to go out and perform? I watch You Tube and other performers and remind myself that when I get anxious, it’s because I care and that no one is perfect, and I always strive for excellence. Preparation is everything.
Who is your favorite male & female singer of all times? Celine Dion and Luther Vandross.
What are your thoughts about the incredible success of shows like American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent? I’m all for supporting talent, but I get concerned when inexperienced singers experience a quick high and then after the show, nothing but a quick low. It’s all about balance.
Do you have any regrets about any of the career path you have chosen? I do regret listening to too many people telling me what to do and what kind of sound and music I should sing.
Is there something you would still like to learn how to do? I want to know what it feels like to be extremely fit physically (strong) and learn more about compounds and nutrition in the skincare industry.
What do you wish you knew back then that you know now? That people come and go, and family is everything.
What do you think is the secret to living a happy life? GOD and PRAYER and that’s the TRUTH for my life.
What is one of your favorite quotes? One of my favorite quotes is one from my husband: “Always be interested in other people. Show curiosity in others instead of talking about yourself.” Ross Shafer
Where do you see yourself going with your new beauty business “Skin By Leah”? 5 years from now? I try and live one day at a time and really strive for excellence every day. I would love to expand and develop my own products as well. I would also love to inspire young people and end up speaking at events to inspire in the beauty industry.
I ask all married people this: “What do you think is the secret to wedded bliss?” Commitment, Communication and PRAYER. We are best friends first…. and Laughter!
What will we now find you doing on weekends? Singing and working and being a mama.
How do you feel about all the growth that has taken place in the Denver area? I’ve only been her since 2010, and it’s been amazing seeing the growth. I miss Orange County, CA where we moved from, so it’s nice to have the area grow.
Would you ever want to live somewhere else other than Colorado? FLORIDA. I love and miss the ocean. I love the tropics and the humidity and the energy of Miami/South Beach.
How do you decompress after a hectic day? I get comfy, snuggle with my doggies and daughter and watch Reality TV.
Where haven’t you been, but would still like to visit? I would love to see St. Barts and Italy.
What's the high and low of working in the entertainment industry? When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s slow, it’s hard. There is a term I love for showbiz “You can make a Killing but not a Living” ha, hah…. In entertainment you never know when the next job will be. When you land a job, you pray it sustains and that the word spreads to get other work. It’s an exhausting yet extremely energizing purpose driven path. I don’t know how not to sing, so I will always be involved somehow. It’s who I am.
When you were a young girl, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up? A Famous Singer, but for GOD!
Aside from your family, what do you consider your proudest accomplishment so far? Graduating Beauty School at the age of 43. It’s never too late. Never be too proud, always live with humility and follow your own calling and path despite other’s opinions.
What are your favorite restaurants in Denver? Shanahan’s and True Foods.
How do we get more of the younger generation interested in charitable giving and philanthropy - or to just giving back in any way to their community? Hold more events that cater to the youth. Make them feel that they matter and have a voice.
How do you feel about animals? I love them and will always need a dog in my life!
What is your favorite nonprofit? “Joy Jars” (Spreading Joy to Kids Fighting for Their Lives.)
What should all of us be working on these days to make our country better for future generations? Awareness and Unity. Make educated decisions - and with kindness.
What do you consider a priceless gift? When my daughter hand-makes me gifts, and I have her words to me in writing; and when my parents say they are proud of me.
Leah, let’s face it, you are gorgeous…. How do most women react to you? Many times I’m misunderstood. I’ve had some women say after they got to know me: “I tried to hate you, but I couldn’t!”
What's in the future for the talented Leah Shafer? Only God knows, but I can say that when I let go and let God in, things turn out way better than what I could have planned. So I’m excited to see HIS PLANS for me and my music and new business.
How do you most want to be remembered? That I loved GOD! That HE was what mattered most and HE is what got me through the crazy times of life. That my life represented kindness, unconditional love, joy, laughter, giving, and loyalty.
(Contact Leah Shafer: www.leahshafermusic.com; www.skinbyleah.com )
