Leah Kateb captured hearts on Love Island USA with her candid personality and distinctive vintage fashion sense. Hailing from Calabasas, this standout islander quickly became a fan favorite, transitioning her reality TV fame into a thriving influencer career. But beyond the villa and social media spotlight, who is Leah Kateb? And for those wondering, How Old Is Leah From Love Island? Let’s dive into a day in her life in Los Angeles, exploring her favorite hometown spots and uncovering more about this captivating personality.
Leah Kateb, at the age of 24 (as of late 2024, when this article was originally published), is more than just a reality TV star. She’s a passionate vegan, a dedicated animal rescuer, and a vintage fashion enthusiast with a burgeoning YouTube series, Livin’ Like Leah. Inspired by her love for SpongeBob, this series offers fans a closer look into her life. Fresh from a Joshua Tree getaway with fellow Love Island cast members Serena and JaNa, Leah takes us on a tour of her cherished LA locations, revealing the places she missed most during her time in the villa.
Monty’s Good Burger, Culver City: A Vegan Haven
“Having been vegetarian for 11 years and vegan for five,” Leah explains, “finding great vegan food is always a priority because not all vegan options are created equal. Monty’s is like a vegan version of In-N-Out, and it’s seriously delicious. The atmosphere is cool, and their commitment to donating to animal shelters and supporting rescues is really important to me. Plus, the food is amazing. Their ‘ficken,’ as my boyfriend calls their fried chicken, is unbelievable. He says he can’t even tell it’s vegan! He’s a big meat-eater, ordering burgers, fries, chicken tenders, and sandwiches. I’m slowly converting him to veganism, but their chicken tenders are probably my favorite thing on the menu.”
Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream, Woodland Hills: Sweet Vegan Treats
Leah Kateb posing with a vegan ice cream cone at Van Leeuwen's in Woodland Hills, showcasing her favorite dessert spot.
“Van Leeuwen’s is my ultimate ice cream destination,” Leah shares. “I used to frequent the Studio City location, so I was thrilled when they opened one near my place in Woodland Hills. Their vegan flavors are incredible. The churro flavor is a personal favorite. I know they collaborate on flavors, and my dream is to create my own vegan ice cream. I’d love to experiment and develop the perfect vegan chocolate chip cookie dough and sprinkle combination – I think it would be the best!”
Erewhon, Calabasas: A Calabasas Staple
“Erewhon is practically my second home,” Leah laughs. “People come up to me there all the time saying they came just to see me! I’ve even converted Miguel into an Erewhon devotee. He used to think it was overrated and expensive, but now he’s always suggesting we go. He’s fully embraced the LA lifestyle. But I’ve been going to Erewhon since way before it was trendy, being from Calabasas and all. And the demand for an Erewhon collab smoothie for me is insane! It’s only right, especially since I used to work at smoothie shops and know how to make amazing ones. Erewhon, call me – I need this to happen.”
Leah’s Barn (With Valentino): Animal Sanctuary and Serenity
Leah Kateb affectionately interacting with her horse Valentino at her barn, highlighting her deep connection with animals.
“I started riding horses at nine,” Leah recounts, “and whenever I was upset, I’d go straight to my horse. As a teenager, if I was mad at my parents, I’d hide in the stable. My barn is my happy place. It’s actually at my neighbor’s house. I was trying to find temporary housing for two pigs I rescued, and I left notes in everyone’s mailbox asking if I could use their barn. This amazing family responded, and we’ve built a wonderful relationship. It’s so peaceful there, with hardly any cell service. And Valentino, my horse, I’ve had him for almost nine years. He’s 21 now and just enjoys eating and relaxing. I honestly spend more time with my animals than with people. They are my greatest source of joy. Serena and JaNa met all my animals – Serena loved it, especially the horses, being a Texas girl. Jana was a little unsure about the pigs!”
Nature: Hiking and Tranquility
Leah Kateb hiking with her dog in a forest area, emphasizing her love for nature and peaceful environments.
“I hike with my dog in a small forest near my house that has a creek,” Leah says. “I always let her off-leash there, and she just runs. We used to bring our dog who passed away, and now our current dog, Blue. I’m happiest in calm, secluded places. It’s important to have time to decompress, reflect, and enjoy your own company in nature. Of course, my Leo side loves energetic environments too, but I’ve found a good balance.”
AWF Animal Rescue, Sherman Oaks: Fostering and Giving Back
“Animal World Foundation, owned by Julie Tsui, is where I started fostering about 10 years ago,” Leah explains. “I’ve fostered hundreds of animals and have Polaroids of them in my apartment. I have so much respect for Julie. She currently has 80 cats in her home and never turns away an animal. She’s a huge inspiration, as I want to have my own animal sanctuary someday. She’s also the reason Blue, my dog, is alive. Blue had pneumonia and tapeworm when she was rescued, and Julie helped her. I started fostering Blue at six weeks old, and she became my first foster fail. She’s basically me in dog form! People think I named her Blue because of her blue eyes, but it’s actually because the velociraptor Blue in Jurassic Park can open doors. And Blue has always been able to open doors, even intricate doorknobs. She’s a little dinosaur.”
Voulez Vous Vintage, West Hollywood: Vintage Fashion Obsession
“My vintage collection is constantly growing,” Leah admits. “On Love Island, I wore a lot of vintage pieces. I’m obsessed with vintage and current Roberto Cavalli. For a while, if you searched Roberto Cavalli, my name was the top associated search! And I love JPG, vintage Dior. This vintage shop, Voulez Vous Vintage, has everything. The owner is currently in London sourcing pieces and sends me things she thinks I’ll like. Unfortunately, I love shopping – it’s a disease I acknowledge! But I’m not a hoarder. If I’m not using something, I donate it. I don’t like clutter in my closet. I love donating in general.”
Leah Kateb, the Love Island USA sensation, is clearly a multifaceted individual with a deep love for animals, veganism, and vintage fashion, all while navigating her burgeoning influencer career. And at 24 years old, she’s just getting started, proving that her journey beyond the villa is just as captivating as her time on the island.
