Leilene Ondrade Stuecklin: Making ‘Reality’ A Reality

Reality television fans may believe they know everything about their favorite reality show personalities just by tuning in week after week, but do they really know? After all, it is television. Does the term “reality” change the perception of the fiction that TV portrays? Is it really “reality” or are characters still being created, promoted and exploited by network politics? The truth is, Reality TV itself is an enigma and so are some of the more popular individuals from our favorite series, such as Leilene Ondrade Stuecklin–the sweet, sexy, somewhat love-stoned and often misunderstood former exotic dancer from VH1’s infamous reality series Flavor of Love, Charm School, and I Love Money 2. Born in Toronto, the former Page3.Com “Sunshine Girl” and beauty pageant contestant is far from the intellectually challenged young lady portrayed on the aforementioned programs. Remember, what you see is not always what you get. The young lady that was introduced to the world as “Smiley” in a show based on Flavor Flav’s attempt to find a wife is building a media empire based on the foundation and brand she created from her wild chase of love and money.

Leilene originally pursued modeling and acting for fun and never imagined that it would become a growing passion. Her appearances on WWE’s Raw Is War and ESPN’s short lived series, Playmakers, provided her with an initial fan base, but VH1’s The Flavor of Love – Season 1 would take her star power to the new level, which was a pleasant surprise considering that landing a spot on the show was somewhat of a joke. “My best friend Sandy submitted me as a prank to ‘punk’ me,’” Leilene laughs. “She took a picture of me on her camera phone, downloaded it and sent it in.” This playful prank resulted in a spot on one of the highest-rated reality shows in history. Ultimately, she used these stints as a vehicle to learn many aspects of the industry and developed a great knowledge and talent for production.

Without a doubt, Leilene understands her brand, and through hard work and perseverance, is creating a growing media career. Her first official film production tentatively titled In Storage is set for international distribution. In the meantime, Leilene continues to perfect and avidly pursue her craft. She’s currently studying film production at the L.A. Feature Film Academy and has a second untitled film in production.  Now equipped with a more acute knowledge of the entertainment industry, Leilene feels that she should have become a media mogul a lot sooner. “If I had to do it all over again, I would have started publishing, producing and conceptualizing my vision much earlier without any fear whatsoever,” she adamantly states.

At this moment in her life, modeling has taken a backseat to Leilene’s ambitions as a film producer. She explains, “I notice, follow and emulate women like Oprah, Tyra Banks, and Kimora Lee Simmons for the historical work they are doing as female entrepreneurs.” Ms. Stuecklin is definitely focused on the more lucrative avenues that working behind the camera can create, although she still plans to capitalize on the fact that the camera still loves her exotic look and vulnerability by booking recurring appearances at red carpet events and, yes, newly developed reality shows.

Through it all, Leilene’s life does not generate a number of questions regarding validity like the current television fad. In fact, regarding her dreams and aspirations, they are undoubtedly becoming a reality in the truest sense.

By: Dawn Alicia Montgomery

IMAGES BY: DEREK BLANKS

STYLING BY: BETRICE BENBOW

MAKE-UP BY: J’TASAKI

HAIR BY: J’TASAKI

DESIGNERS:

Charles Lynch (clothing)

Divalee designs- divaleedesigns.com-(jewelry)