From White-Collar Plans to Creative Power Moves
Leslie Antonoff once had her eyes on law and business school. But the Howard alum quickly realized her passion lived elsewhere. With strong family support, she traded in her corporate path for creative storytelling and has never looked back.
Her journey kicked off with cameos on The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, the hit web series created by her close friend Issa Rae. That first taste of acting gave her the push she needed. “It was the ultimate feeling of like, oh okay, I might be good at that,” she said.
Creating Her Own Voice with Let LESLIE Tell It
Leslie turned that small cameo into her own breakout moment. She launched Let LESLIE Tell It, a pop culture show filled with her unique take on trending topics. The series aired on Rae’s YouTube platform and ran for a strong 50 episodes.
That experience sharpened her storytelling skills and built a loyal following. It also made clear she had the talent—and drive—to build something bigger on her own terms.
Cooking Up Flavor and Representation with Butter+Brown
Next up? Food. Leslie joined forces with fellow foodie Seth Brundle to create a new kind of cooking show: one that was Black, funny, and fresh. She said, “I really want to see a funny culinary show with some Black people, so I made it.”
Butter+Brown started online but quickly took off. After just six episodes, it was picked up by aspireTV, the network founded by Magic Johnson. Guests like Ludacris, Larenz Tate, and Chef Carla Hall brought even more flavor to the table.
Building the Hautemommie Brand and Staying True
Outside of TV, Leslie runs her personal brand Hautemommie, which blends fashion, lifestyle, and motherhood. She has also worked with big platforms like HGTV, HBO Max, and Food Network. From writing a novel to managing three kids, she stays booked and balanced.
“I’ve always tried to figure out how to get what I want if I don’t have it,” she shared. That hustle started young—she launched her first business at age eight just to buy snacks.
Owning Her Lane Online and Off
As an influencer, Leslie knows the internet can be fickle. But she stays focused on what matters. “They can love you today and hate you tomorrow,” she said. “Make what you want to see.”
By creating content that speaks to her passions, she’s found a community that shares her vibe—and values.
Motherhood and Ambition Can Coexist
Being a mom hasn’t slowed Leslie down. It’s added fuel. “I’m not the only person that became a mom but still wants to maintain who I am,” she said. That mindset powers her work and inspires other women juggling ambition and motherhood.
Whether she’s behind the camera or the stove, Leslie Antonoff proves that you can write your own script—and serve it with style.
