Leslie Venti:
Rebel Rebel

Leslie Venti was born wearing glittery spandex. Ok, well, maybe that’s not quite true, but there are very few in the world who can wear such loud leggings so naturally, with genuine ease and confidence, as if they are a second skin. Yet Leslie — she’s one of them. Her personality sparkles. She’s kind, supportive, and giving…dedicated, caring, and honest — a radiant star, shining bright for all who cross her path. She’s fierce, conveying a contagious energy that brings confidence to even the most timid and reserved. Bursting with color and charisma, she’s a former roller derby star (you may remember Cherry City’s Skate Oddity…she did have quite the following), a hot yoga instructor, a restauranteur, a graphic designer, a dedicated community member, a devoted friend…so stop whatever you’re doing, and read on to find out for yourself the inner workings of Salem’s dazzling diva. 

What is your favorite thing about Salem? The potential it offers, i.e. the relative ease of creating *and* enjoying greatness in our community. Before we were a couple, having just moved to Salem from Berkeley, California in 2002, I expressed to Dino my misgivings about my move to Salem, to which he replied, “This is where I live so I’m investing in this city to make it a livable place.” That was profound to me at the time, and I’ve seen it in action as I’ve watched our business grow from a 700-square-foot hole-in-the-wall to now multiple restaurants with more on the horizon. It takes — and has taken — great investment of time, resources and energy. Salem continues to grow in vitality because others are also living the potential. It’s rad. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Salem? Walk, skate, run, kayak, birdwatch, bat-watch, cloud spot and forage for blackberries at Minto Brown Island Park, all within walking distance to downtown. It is a privilege to witness the park year-round. It’s always changing, plant and animal life, the river. Love it. We spend hours and hours there. It’s where we chose to experience the eclipse last year. We rode our bikes down from our house, through the park past the dog park (which was thick with people!) to a spot deep in the park with a wide vista. It was very special. 

Which color or pattern best describes your personality, and why? Give me any color, baby, I spent way too many years wearing black. It describes my personality because I have colorful, diverse interests and passions. I love patterns like stripes and animal prints, especially cheetah print because it’s rock ’n’ roll, a little edgy, sometimes trashy, but also classic. And need I say fierce? I wear cheetah print daily. 

What is a small thing that makes your day better? My gorgeous, sweet, goofy Siberian huskies, Peaches and Koko. They have such personality and get me and Dino out walking in the weather year-round (they have functional coats we got at Salem Summit Company). My dogs are my preferred companions. I value the lessons I learn from them about friendliness, nurture, rest, focus, protection and joy. I realize those are considered “human” conventions but I am deeply connected to them and the tenderness they bring. I could sit and hold Koko’s paw all day long if I had the time.

Who’s your go-to band/musician when you can’t decide what to listen to? Zero 7…or Madonna…depending on mood.

What was the best compliment you’ve received? Recently I ran into a friend who said the moment she saw me she felt a sense of ease. That’s love. It made me feel so good. I attribute that to my dedicated yoga practice, my sobriety and transparency. I have nothing to hide and willingly share my humanness and my story. This creates connection in even the most casual relationship or interaction. Besides that, my niece Polly told me in her adorable 5-year-old voice that I smell like candy.

What was one of the most interesting concerts you’ve been to? Of all the interesting concerts, I’m still raving about seeing Roger Waters “Us & Them” tour last summer at the Tacoma Dome. Incredible lighting effects and visuals, timeless, provocative songs that apply to current events, and amazing musicianship. Roger Waters is brilliant. A close second would be Gorillaz “Plastic Beach” for similar reasons.

What outdated slang do you use on a regular basis? Stoked! I am slangy. Expect to hear slang in my yoga classes. I love language and how it evolves. It is living and fluid. I was a Classics major at the University of Colorado, Boulder, wanting to teach Latin on the high school level. That’s not the direction I went in life but obviously language and communication inform all I’ve done since. 

Which is your favorite Bowie and why? Of all the questions, this is the most challenging. Dude, seriously. I’m going to say Bowie era 1980-85, post-Berlin pop, new wave era. I love “Fashion,” “Ashes to Ashes,” OMG yes, “Let’s Dance” era Bowie. I imagine that’s a controversial choice. The honest answer is “Let’s Dance” came out when I was in junior high and my Bowie passion spokes out from there in all directions. And, hello, “Under Pressure.” One of the best songs EVER.

Rice or noodles? Rice! Hot, cold, savory, sweet. Mmmmmm…

Awkward pose or balancing stick? Balancing stick! (Editor’s Note: If you don’t know what that is, register for class here)

11:11 or 3:33? 11:11

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 3 (Oct/Nov 2018)