In this special Daddy’s Girls feature for SwagHer Magazine’s Father’s Day series, we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant, multi-talented LaKisa Renee — a proud daughter, dynamic media personality, wellness advocate, and fashion powerhouse who is leaving her mark across the entertainment and beauty industries.
Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, LaKisa credits much of her strength, confidence, and success to the love and guidance of her father, Kenneth Terrell. Their bond, built on laughter, wisdom, and unconditional support, has been a steady foundation throughout her life. From being carried on his shoulders to school as a little girl to sharing unforgettable father-daughter moments at concerts, watching boxing matches together or taking her to boxing gyms he trained at, LaKisa reflects on how her dad continues to inspire her as both a protector and best friend.
This Father’s Day, LaKisa opens up about what being a Daddy’s Girl truly means to her — honoring the man who showed her how to stand tall, live boldly, and embrace her dreams with fearless authenticity.
Please tell us about yourself.
LaKisa: I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, the proud daughter of Robin and Kenneth Terrell. Growing up on the southwest side of Syracuse with six brothers and two sisters shaped my resilience, creativity, and deep sense of community. I graduated from Henninger High School and later earned a degree in Business Management, laying the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. Though I started out as a shy, nerdy tomboy, I blossomed over the years into a bold, adventurous spirit — a confident fashion enthusiast, creative artist, wellness advocate, media personality, and thriving entrepreneur.
I am the proud founder of three unique and purpose-driven businesses: LaKisa Renee Entertainment, Lè Du Jour Beauty & Wellness, and Souljevity, each reflecting a different facet of my passion for creativity, empowerment, and holistic well-being. I also serve as the co-founder and co-host of the Tales From The Media podcast alongside Tammy Reese, where we spotlight voices and stories from across the entertainment and media landscape.
As a journalist contributing to various magazine outlets and a member of the prestigious New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), I’ve built a respected presence in the media industry. My career has taken me to some of the most celebrated red carpets and cultural moments, including The Oscars, The Emmys, Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals, NYFW: The Shows, The BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Hamptons Fashion Week, and Miami Swim Week. I’ve covered major networks and platforms such as AMC, STARZ, HBO, Lifetime, BET, and WEtv, and had the honor of interviewing a wide range of notable celebrities.
In addition to my media work, I’m an award-winning makeup artist, community leader, and fashion icon. I am also a Qigong Instructor and Wellness Coach. I was proudly named a National Women of Strength Honoree, a testament to my commitment to uplifting others through style, service, and storytelling. I show up fully, grounded in purpose and guided by my heart. I’m not just building brands — I’m building a legacy rooted in healing, culture, and soul.
We’re excited to learn all about your Dad. Please tell us about him. How would you describe your relationship with your Dad?
LaKisa: My relationship with my dad is one of the greatest blessings of my life. It’s rooted in love, laughter, and a deep, unspoken understanding. He’s not just my father — he’s my protector, my supporter, and my safe space.
I loved growing up with him and my mother in a married household. It was a blessing to have his constant presence and inspiration.
We can go from cracking up over the silliest inside joke to having deep, soul-centered conversations about life. He always makes me feel like I could do anything, simply because he believes in me. Our bond is unbreakable — built on trust, mutual respect, and that forever connection between a father and his daughter. I enjoy our father-daughter time spent together, our talks, and having a fun time at concerts together.
What do you love most about your father?
LaKisa: What I love most about my father is his heart. Yes, he’s hilarious, strong, and full of life, but it’s the way he loves that sticks with me the most. He lives life unapologetically, he loves fully, and he shows up for everyone without question. I love how he can light up a room with a joke, then turn around and offer the most grounded wisdom when I need it most. He’s my reminder that real strength includes your authentic self, and that being present is one of the greatest gifts a father can give. His love has shaped me in ways words will never fully capture.
He has this rare way of making people feel seen, happy, and genuinely loved without even trying. Growing up, he was always the laughter in the room and still is. He’s the calm in my chaos and the rock I can always count on. His jokes could brighten the darkest days, but it was his steady presence and quiet sacrifices that taught me what love really looks like. Whatever my family and I needed, he made sure he did whatever he had to do to take care of us, even if it meant making sacrifices.
To this day, his love continues to guide me — and I carry his spirit with me in everything I do, especially when it comes to sports. My Dad was a decorated boxing champion in his youth, and he inspired me to join boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts. I’m the child who takes after him when it comes to athletics.
What does being a Daddy’s Girl mean to you?
LaKisa: It means knowing I have someone who sees my magic even when I doubt myself, who cheers me on like I’m already a champion, and who can make me laugh with just a look. It’s that deep-rooted trust, the feeling of safety, and the endless supply of love and guidance. It’s being his mini-me, his baby girl, and being inspired by the examples he sets in life. My dad is my safe place, my first example of strength, protection, and unconditional love. Seeing the happiness on his face and light in his eyes when I accomplish my wildest dreams means the world to me. I enjoy sharing those experiences with him and always making him feel included in them. Being a Daddy’s Girl means no matter how grown or independent I get, I will always come to my Dad for guidance and support. He will forever be my best friend.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment with your Dad that you’ll never forget?
LaKisa: I’ll never forget how, when I was little, my dad used to walk me to elementary school every day, carrying me on his shoulders like a queen. It made me feel on top of the world, safe and special. He’s the one who lifted me up, literally and figuratively, and he’s never let me fall since. He was also the very first person to teach me how to drive — patient and cracking jokes the whole time to ease my nerves. Some of my other favorite moments together with him are when we used to watch WWE wrestling and boxing together. We were cheering, laughing, and bonding over body slams and dramatic entrances lol! Those memories are stamped on my heart forever.
What is one core value or piece of advice your father gave you that still guides you today?
LaKisa: One core value my dad instilled in me that still guides me today is to always be yourself — unapologetically, and never be afraid to chase your dreams.
He taught me that my authenticity is my power and that the dreams placed in my heart are there for a reason. His unwavering belief in me gave me the courage to show up boldly, lead with purpose, never dim my light for anyone, and pursue a life that’s true to who I am. This advice has carried me through so many seasons of life, and it’s a big reason I show up as my full, authentic self every day. Thanks for that, Dad. You’re still the real MVP.
What would you like to say to your dad this Father’s Day?
LaKisa: Thank you for being my guide, my protector, and my biggest supporter. Whether it was your wisdom, your laughter, financially, or just the way you always showed up, you’ve helped shape who I am today. I appreciate you more than words can express. We’ve been through the toughest times and still made it through- and we’ve shared some of the happiest times together. I love you with all of my heart, and I would choose you over and over again in every lifetime to be my Father. You are truly one-of-a-kind, the light in my life, and it’s an honor to be your baby girl. I will forever be a Daddy’s Girl!
Connect with LaKisa on Instagram @lakisarenee
Read more Daddy’s Girls Spotlights.
