Down to Earth, real, and hilarious, Leandra Gaston graced the halls of Beautiful the Carole King Musical on Tour before becoming a full blown badass in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical understudy Adrienne Warren in the Title role. She's the real deal AND since recording this interview has cofounded a whole company with former guest Deanne Stewart. Hand clap for Black Owned and Women owned. Follow @dearseptemberevents and @leandraellisgaston. SHOW NOTES LEANDRA GASTON The incredibly talented, and GORGEOUS Leandra Gaston: -dance captain for “Tina” on Broadway!  -training to be the dance caption for “Beautiful” on Broadway! Wearing her mid-thigh braids today She made a big chop, which turned out to be the turning point in her CAREER. Auditioned for Beautiful on Broadway 9 times, but the time her hair was chopped, SHE LANDED IT! Advice for women who just made the big chop: “Don’t be afraid of accessing freedom” The true crown is what’s inside! She is starting to grow her hair out for the first time since the chop, and she’s excited to let it do what IT WANTS! To keep her braids from getting ruined she wraps them at night in a braiding cap, then she takes 2 bonnets over the top for extra protection.  PRODUCTS USED: As I Am line Shea Moisture Shampoo Shea African Clay Deep Conditioner Green Olive Oil Restoration Conditioner Wig prep: She started with no hair, and her hair was growing out as the months went on during the run of “Tina” on Broadway, so the process grew! Started with glued lace and moved on to flat twists and corn rows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices