Lindsey Pelas does it all. With a presence in entertainment, fashion and the food industries, you might wonder what is left for her to conquer. Pelas is an investor in Sugar Taco and Sugar Taco 2, content creator and actress and has collaborated with brands like Revolve and Yeezy and artists like The Weeknd, Calvin Harris and Tyga.
On TV, you may have caught Pelas in cameos on The Eric Andre Show, Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack and MTV’s Wild ‘n Out. Currently, the multi-hyphenate talent is working on a few acting projects, including two horror films set for later this year. Taking a moment between roles, Pelas spoke with us about her dynamic career, advice for rising entrepreneurs and being honest with her followers.
You’ve been described as an entrepreneur by nature. Did you always know you wanted to have a jack-of-all trades career?
It was so strange. I always knew I wanted to attend college, but my career goals afterward seemed muddy in my mind. I couldn't pinpoint it when I was younger. And as an adult now, it makes total sense because I wear a variety of hats a lot people wouldn't expect or don't see.
The truth is, I love to learn. And I really do love to work. I get the biggest kick out of producing a magazine-quality worthy photoshoot. I get a kick out of shipping merchandise. I get a kick out of acting. I think I love the chaos of difficult things, but mostly I just love learning. Learning requires doing and I think the entrepreneurial mind is really the mind of someone who loves to learn and try. That is definitely me.
You’re a Louisiana native. What was the most important lesson you learned during your journey from your hometown to becoming an entrepreneurial success in Los Angeles?
I love my Louisiana roots so much and I am so proud of being from a place rich in culture. I think Louisiana natives have a leg-up when it comes to remaining authentic. Where I'm from, money, fame and appearances don't matter as much. Good food, good times and good people matter. I think the most important lesson I've learned is really to embody that at all times. Know what matters, enjoy the rest and don't forget to let the good times roll when you can.
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From Revolve to Yeezy to The Weeknd, you’ve worked with a host of brands and talent. Do you find collaborating in a certain industry more creatively inspiring than another?
Honestly, I find it most exciting to create my own content. I love that social media has allowed me that opportunity. Styling, producing, set design, modeling, editing, directing... I have a blast when I'm running the show. I think people would assume I see a photo of myself and think "Wow, I'm so hot," but it's nothing like that. Usually, I look at the camera and go "OMG this is framed amazingly, this is styled exactly like my vision, OMG this is better than ____(insert famous magazine)," Haha.
The people of Los Angeles love Sugar Taco (and Sugar Taco 2). What makes the restaurant such a success?
Well, it's so damn good! I think everyone (myself included) really enjoys eating something indulgent and delicious that is cruelty-free and environmentally conscious.
What is your go-to piece of advice for rising entrepreneurs?
This one's fun. Here's the thing. You're going to have to hire help eventually. But, help will cause problems. No one will look out for your business the way you do. I think when you accept this fact, it becomes a little bit easier. Also, no one is actively trying to do a bad job. Things happen. You become really powerful if you can keep your cool through all of it. That's something I've been focusing on this year.
What are you most proud of about your career?
Gosh, I don't know! I think I've helped aid in the success of other people (as other people have done for me) and that makes me happy to think about.
Not only are you involved in a multitude of philanthropic causes, but you also use your social media platforms to speak out on social and political issues, such as the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade. How has being transparent about such issues been key to having a good relationship with your audience?
I love chatting humanity on Twitter. I've been in a fun position because my audience is significantly more male. I come from a place in my mind of "these are all my internet friends," so when I share my perspective, it's almost like I'm saying, "Hey friends, did you know about this?" I like taking the curtain down of life experience and perspective. I think my perspective is surprising to many.
What do you do to take care of your mental health?
I'm a big journal girl! When I'm at my lowest, there is something very cathartic about the journal. I've also recently learned some tools about valuable distraction. The less doom scrolling the better. I've also got a pretty sweet meditation garden, perfect for a zen moment.
I've spent a lot of the last year designing my home with Sarah West. It's got a real work/life balance in mind to cover a lot of my bases. The meditation garden to relax, the glam room to work and film content— it's been a fun personal project for me.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photography by: Martin "DEPICT" Murillo; Madelene Lisella
