MY STORY

I am passionate about helping diverse young artists discover careers and thrive in the arts and entertainment industry.

My life didn’t start in the spotlight, but I’ve always had a heart for the arts. Whether it was singing, dancing, or sewing, I began exploring all things creative at a young age. Despite several challenges throughout my life (I write about them here in my book), the seeds planted in childhood bloomed in adulthood. Here’s the thing, just like those dreams were with me from the start, so was God. Each step of my journey has been divinely ordered. The creativity and light that I shine are only reflective of my Creator. I believe in the power of prayer and blend faith and work to get results.

I’ve had the opportunity to design clothing for clients such as Grammy Award-winning musician Kirk Whalum. I launched Lisa Ray Fashions in 2010. When I saw the potential and desire for the arts in my son, I helped him cultivate his gifts and discover the right opportunities. I made mistakes and faced obstacles along the way, but I also guided him along a path that landed him in his dream role as Simba on Broadway.

Now, I want to do the same for others. That’s why I am an arts education advocate, author, and speaker. I want people to have access to the right inspiration and insights to help them pursue their artistic passions with purpose. I don’t want them to experience the same pitfalls we did – it is possible to achieve your dreams without sacrificing your faith or integrity.

When I’m not designing clothes or developing arts careers, you’ll find me spending lots of time with my husband, Wendell.

Creative, resilient, and generous with her time, talent, and treasure, Falisa Ray is on a mission to make artistic career paths more attractive and accessible, particularly in the African American community. As the founder of LisaLisa Inc., she is a fierce advocate and go-to resource for talented, diverse young performers. In 2022, she published “Raising Simba,” highlighting her journey from the Chicago projects to guiding her son Aaron to Broadway, where he landed a role as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King. Ray blends her experience and expertise to empower other parents seeking to help their children realize their dreams in arts and entertainment. Originally from Chicago, Ill., Ray currently lives with her husband Wendell in Wisconsin.

Falisa Ray’s light is undeniable. Creative, bold, and resilient, she is on a mission to make artistic career paths more attractive and accessible in the African American community.

As the founder of LisaLisa, LLC, she is a fierce advocate for arts education and passionate about bringing access to this essential learning experience back into schools. As a go-to resource, Ray helps to guide and inspire talented, diverse young performers in the arts and entertainment industries.

In her first book, “Raising Simba,” she highlights her journey from the Chicago projects to guiding her son Aaron to Broadway, where he landed a role as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King. In it, she reveals how to develop the right mindset, commitment, and skills for a successful career in arts and entertainment.

She blends her experience and expertise to empower other parents seeking to help their children realize their artistic dreams. Throughout her personal and professional life, she has always emphasized the power of prayer and purpose-driven decisions to make the impossible possible. For her, the key to overcoming adversity, rejection, and disappointment lies in her faith in God.

Her passion for the creative world began at an early age when she fell in love with dancing, music, and fashion. She learned to cut and sew patterns at age eight and later began designing clothes, specializing in evening gowns. Her unique style and keen eye attracted the attention of others who requested she create custom designs for them. In 2010, Ray established her fashion studio, Lisa Ray Fashions, and has designed clothes for a variety of clients, including Grammy Award-winning musician Kirk Whalum.

In addition to her creative endeavors and entrepreneurial pursuits, Ray continues to work as a respiratory therapist. Even in this role, she motivates young patients to pursue their artistic dreams. For example, she inspired and helped a woman once named the world’s tiniest sibling by Guinness World Records to design beautiful clothing to fit herself. In 2022, the FACES Foundation presented her with a PHIL Award for outstanding care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses.

Originally from Chicago, Ill., Ray currently lives with her husband Wendell in Wisconsin.

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