Women Making History: Lady La

Posted on 22 March 2012 | No Comment

Lady La is an on-air radio host and has worked as an MTV VJ. She works hard to break the mold for women in radio, bringing her own personality and interests to a world largely dominated by men, and to a set of expectations the world has for women in the entertainment industry. She talked to us about those expectations, her career choices, and the wealth of having girlfriends that motivate her:

1. What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

There’s so many. If you could mold Ellen DeGeneres, Karlie Hustle, and Gwen Stefani into one person, I’d say that woman would be my inspiration. Without sounding super corny, I have a small circle of women that I value as friends and I completely adore them. They motivate me daily. Locally in Phoenix and in NY they know who they are!

2. How did you get your start as a radio morning show host?

I was originally cast as the female counterpart to two male hosts known as the Nutz in Phoenix. They groomed me, and prepped me for what would eventually grow into my own stage. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned a lot and would not be where I am without those two. I’m grateful to have learned from two guys who REALLY knew radio and what it should sound like.

3. You also were a VJ for MTV Tr3s – what was that like?

It was interesting. Working for MTV was always a dream job of mine, then when I got there, it wasn’t what I had imagined. I did just over a year’s time. Given another opportunity I’d love to be in TV again. MTV just wasn’t my home.

4. Fashion seems to be an interest of yours - you’ve designed clothing and started a women’s lifestyle website. What inspired you to take on these projects?

My girlfriends. I’ve been a tomboy my ENTIRE life. If it wasn’t for the girls, TheFreshFiends and Cubannie Links, I might not have ever believed I could be as beautiful and rad as they are. I watched them, learned and created business out of pleasure. Women need sisterhood, I have that and wanted to share.

5. What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

I don’t think I’ve worked on it yet. I’ve been a part of so many on radio/tv/online that have changed ME in some fashion. I’m in active pursuit for the one that will change the world we live in.

6. Who do you want to work with?

I want to work with Innovators. Travelers. Chefs. Gays and Lesbians. Women. Men. Who want to spread love, light and knowledge all in one lifetime.

7. What part of hosting a radio morning show is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

The expectations. They KILL me. I think in this business (entertainment) people often expect for me to look a certain way, speak a certain way, act or be interested in things only women should care about. I don’t box myself in with expectations, but I constantly deal with people who do. No complaints, I’m grateful to play my part in the history of Phoenix radio and for women as a whole, but damn! Can a bitch catch a break? LOL!