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The buttoned-up world of law is not a place where one would expect high fashion to appear, but those are exactly the two worlds that Attorney Leah Wise hopes to bring together in spectacular “fashion.”
Leah Wise is not only a high-powered attorney and female empowerment advocate, but also owner of CrashGal Couture, a collection of modern clothes for stylish working women. She is part of the new breed of female entrepreneurs shaking things up in multiple industries.
Expanding beyond law
Wise knew from a young age that she was “made for more.” She had entrepreneurship in mind — a dream that evolved to include community involvement after working with a state senator, who opened her eyes to the need for smart, tenacious public servants. Wise decided to pursue law as a career, but always kept her entrepreneurial spirit alive.
With the founding of Leah Wise Law Firm, Wise started the first Latina-owned firm in South Texas that specializes 100% in plaintiff personal injury representation.
However, Wise was not content with simply forging new paths in law. She had multiple interests that needed to be explored. Soon, her personal brand branched out into real estate and social causes. However, perhaps the most colorful — and unexpected — move from Wise has been CrashGal Couture.
CrashGal Couture
“One of my favorite hobbies has always been fashion,” Wise has said. This is evident from her own ultra-stylish looks, ranging from tailored business suits to color-laden sundresses. “CrashGal has been an excellent creative outlet for me. I can express my love for fashion while also making sure affordable fashion is available for the women in my community.”
Wise had a vision to bring modern working women a clothing line that would allow them to express themselves and feel fun and stylish without breaking the bank. The line includes styles for any occasion, whether it is an important business meeting, a date night, or a vacation getaway. All items are wardrobe staples, and nothing in the collection costs more than $100.
CrashGal Couture caters to a diverse range of body types and personal styles. Some popular items include the Espresso Cropped Pants, a pair of faux-leather pants that can take you from day to evening, and Sarah Romper, which is perfect for lounging on the beach.
The piece de resistance of the CrashGal line, however, is the range of fun, flirty dresses offered. The Dania Blazer dress gives people something showstopping to wear to work — while still remaining professional. If you’re on your way to a night on the town with the girls, the Sophie Dress or the Eliza Mini are perfect choices. The line even offers options for dressier occasions, such as the Stella Dress, which would look great for prom, or the Summer Dress, which would be perfect for any summer wedding guest.
“We have a vision that we hope liberates our customer’s personal expressions,” says Wise. Wise regularly curates looks for her over 25,000 Instagram followers, showcasing how everyday professional women don’t have to sacrifice style to kick butt and take names — whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or within their own businesses.
Empowerment and leadership
Wise’s goal, regardless of what dream she is chasing down, has always been to uplift her community. That community includes Latina business owners, female entrepreneurs of all kinds, and young women seeking a mentor in the business, fashion, or real estate space. Her nonprofit, the Wise Women Foundation, supports women of color — especially Latinas.
With her wide range of interests and entrepreneurial innovations, Wise is becoming comfortable with being a disruptor. “When I think of industry disruption, I usually think of it as a positive thing, especially if what they are doing is revolutionary and helpful towards society,” Wise told Authority Magazine.
Wise believes strongly in the power of mentors. She relied heavily on mentors when she started her own law firm right out of law school, and hopes she can serve as a mentor to others today — paying forward the kindness shown to her. “I hope to serve as an example to young women and show them that they are capable of achieving anything they want,” says Wise. From her community initiatives to her “Latina Feature Friday” series, there are likely a number of women and girls that Wise has inspired.
Wise’s ultimate goal is to help women and girls overcome barriers to success — as she has. By pushing boundaries and chasing every dream, Wise has proven that you are only limited by your imagination and your drive.
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Image source: Leah Wise – CrashGal Couture
