Today we’d like to introduce you to Leolen Newsome.
Leolen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, in a home where music was woven into my life. My mom and siblings sang constantly, and that atmosphere planted the first seeds of my passion. My mom became my first vocal coach without even realizing it — she taught me harmony, blend, and how to use my ear long before I had the language for it. By elementary school, I was already known among my peers as a singer and recognizing that music came naturally to me.
Alongside music, I always had a strong pull toward entrepreneurship. In high school I studied Global Business and Entrepreneurship, and later at the University of Central Florida I discovered a real love for accounting — enough to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field. Even though music was always in my heart, I think like many creatives, I was influenced by the idea that music wasn’t a “real” career path. Looking back, I do wish I had studied music formally, but I’m also grateful. My business education became the backbone of everything I’m building now.
Entrepreneurship was in me early. In 2012 I released a collaboration album, and over the years I launched several ventures — from a custom dress design business to a real estate investment company. The latter ventures did not survive and were not directly tied to my passion. Those ventures, however, taught me discipline, structure, creativity, and the importance of following the pull of true purpose.
My life eventually brought my knack for leadership and my love for music together. I became a worship leader in 2014, and as I grew in that role, I found myself naturally coaching other singers, helping them build confidence, and guiding them through the mental and emotional blocks that often affect vocal performance. I later realized that my passion wasn’t just singing — it was developing people. Over time, that role expanded beyond music. I stepped more fully into ministry leadership, and in 2018, I was officially ordained as a pastor — a moment that confirmed the calling I had already been walking in. That transition deepened my sense of purpose, strengthened my voice as a leader, and shaped the way I serve people through both music and coaching.
In 2024, I stepped out fully and launched DiscoverU Vocal Coaching, where I help singers and worship leaders unlock their unique sound. Later that year, I launched Pure Harmony Choir, a luxury wedding and event choir made up of incredibly gifted family members and close friends who carry the same musical excellence and heart.
My journey hasn’t been without deep pain. In 2024, I lost my husband, and that loss reshaped me in ways I’m still discovering. God carried me through that season, strengthened me, and shifted my perspective. It reminded me of the importance of walking in purpose, having resilience, and building legacy — especially for my son, Caleb, who is my little drummer; my little worship leader in the making.
Today, everything I build — whether it’s a business, a vocal program, or a music experience — comes from a desire to empower others, create life changing moments, and honor the gifts God placed inside me. My story is still unfolding, but I’m grateful for every step that led me to where I am now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — but every challenge has shaped who I am today.
I’ve had to learn (and I’m still learning) how to balance motherhood as a solo parent while leading in ministry and building my businesses. Before my husband passed from sickness, I was also his caregiver for over a year, which became one of the most emotionally and physically demanding seasons of my life.
Earlier in my journey, I faced financial strain and loss when my real estate investing business didn’t go as planned. I battled imposter syndrome, especially after experiencing trauma and discouragement in the workplace that made me question my abilities. There were seasons when I felt overwhelmed, unsure, and stretched thin.
But I’ve learned that obstacles can be powerful teachers. They build strength, resilience, and clarity if you allow them to. Every setback pushed me to grow — as a woman of God, a mother, an entrepreneur, an artist, and a leader. My journey hasn’t been smooth, but it has been meaningful. And I hope my story shows others that even in difficult seasons, there is hope, and you can rise stronger than you ever imagined.
As you know, we’re big fans of I have two businesses: DiscoverU Vocal Coaching, LLC and Pure Harmony Choir, LLC . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DISCOVERU VOCAL COACHING, LLC
DiscoverU Vocal Coaching is a company I created to help singers, worship leaders, choirs, and worship teams grow in skill, confidence, and their abilities to connect with Jesus. For many people, singing isn’t just a technical challenge — it’s an emotional one and spiritual one. I know what it feels like to find your voice, step into your uniqueness, and overcome self-doubt, because music helped me do that myself. My goal is to help others experience that same kind of breakthrough.
We offer:
Private one-on-one vocal lessons
Custom coaching for worship teams and choirs
Community group classes (coming soon)
What sets DiscoverU apart is the way I coach.
My students often tell me that it feels different from traditional training because it’s not just about hitting notes — it’s about helping them feel supported, seen, encouraged, and capable. I focus on confidence, technique, breathing, tone, projection, art of praise and worship, and healthy vocal habits, but I also help people work through the mental barriers that keep them from using their voice fully.
Students appreciate that I listen deeply and can pinpoint exactly what they need — whether it’s a shift in breathing, a change in placement, or simply the confidence to believe they can do it. Many describe our sessions as warm, patient, and empowering, and several have said DiscoverU helped them “find their voice again” or finally feel comfortable singing in front of others.
At the end of the day, DiscoverU isn’t just about creating better singers — it’s about helping people grow, build confidence, strengthen their gifts, and feel proud of the sound they carry.
PURE HARMONY CHOIR
Pure Harmony Choir is a luxury wedding and event choir based in South Florida and Georgia, made up entirely of skilled singers who are all family and close friends. Each member has spent decades performing live, and together we bring a blend of experience, unity, and artistry that creates a sound people don’t forget — whether elegant, soulful, contemporary, classic, or spiritual.
What makes Pure Harmony truly unique is our chemistry. Having sung together for years — at weddings, special events, and family gatherings long before this became a business — our blend is natural, our communication seamless, and our music alive. Every voice is strong on its own, but when we come together, we create a warm, full, and soulful sound that resonates with every audience.
Another distinguishing element is that clients get more than just a choir — they gain access to our trusted partners, providing a “one-stop” experience for their events. This includes wedding officiants, memorial officiants, videography, photography, luxury event design, and visual branding/monograms.
We offer flexible packages ranging from a soloist and keyboardist up to a full ensemble with ten singers, a keyboardist, and a drummer. Every arrangement is carefully curated so the music feels elegant, heartfelt, and tailored to the event. Whether it’s a wedding ceremony, corporate event, gala, or special celebration, our goal is to create an atmosphere that is both elevated and emotionally memorable.
Clients consistently share how moved and impressed they are by our performances, noting the combination of technical excellence, artistry, and heartfelt expression. Pure Harmony Choir delivers an experience that is professional, soulful, and unforgettable.
Pure Harmony Choir is my vision brought to life — a family of creatives who deliver excellence, professionalism, and a luxury musical experience while keeping the heart, authenticity, and soul that makes people stop, listen, and feel impact.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’m grateful for the people who have shaped, supported, and believed in me throughout my journey.
My mother, Loretta Bedford, is the first person I credit. She trained me musically from childhood and gave me the foundation that sparked everything I do today. My siblings, extended family, and church family have encouraged and supported me for decades — even from the days when I was singing and praise dancing as a teenager.
My pastor and mentor, Apostle Rodney Cain, Senior Pastor of Turnt Life Church, has played a major role in my development as a leader, worship leader, and entrepreneur. I also honor Pastor Carlton L. Gant of Pathway of Life Fellowship, the church I attended as a teenager. That ministry gave me countless opportunities to develop my voice, confidence, and leadership at a young age.
I’m also deeply grateful for other pastors, business professionals, every client, singer, student, supporter, and friend who has believed in my gifts. Each person — whether through encouragement, mentorship, music, or partnership — has been a part of building who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://discoveruvocalcoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoveruvocalcoaching/ & https://www.instagram.com/pureharmonychoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Discoveruvocalcoaching & Pure Harmony: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575729456140
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@duvcoaching & https://youtube.com/@pureharmonychoir
Image Credits
Key Marketing Affects (Keanna Davis)
4K.Ken Photography (McKenzie Jackson)
