Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Johnson.
Leah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
You can never anticipate the path that you’ll end up on and my story definitely shows that! I was a speech-language pathologist turned stay-at-home mom with my four kids when the path to my business opened up to me. I needed something that would provide an outlet for my creative side and also really needed something that was just for me. As a stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to make your life all about the people you care for and not leave enough time to pursue your own passions.
I had always been intrigued by people who made jewelry, and I decided to try my hand at it. I went down to the local hobby store and bought some supplies. Armed with some basic tools and YouTube videos, I started creating jewelry just for myself. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn – particularly about how to form metal. I fell in love with metalsmithing – the art of forming and fabricating metal into jewelry. As my youngest kids, who are twins, got into preschool, I delved into metalsmithing classes. I was blessed to have great mentors who guided me in this process. I still get a thrill when I learn a new technique!
As I was learning more (and making more!), people started asking if they could buy what I was wearing. I was so flattered and excited that people liked the jewelry that I was making! Many of my friends encouraged me to start selling my jewelry, and in September of 2014, I opened up an Etsy shop. I will never forget where I was when that first “cha-ching” came through on my phone! (When you make a sale, the notification sound is an old fashioned cash register sound.) More and more women wanted to wear my designs. They loved the uniqueness of the jewelry, and they loved that the pieces were not machine-made, but crafted by hand.
As my business grew, I went from working in a spare bedroom to a beautiful light-filled studio (my happy place!). I also launched my own website LJArtisanDesigns.com. It’s been a crazy ride with all of the things that go into running a business and managing a family – making the jewelry, marketing, and supporting customers along with carpools, laundry, and kids’ activities! I wouldn’t change a thing though because I am able to live this dream of mine while being present to my family. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders along the way!
Has it been a smooth road?
I think something that’s worthwhile and challenging is never smooth! One of the most surprising lessons that I’ve learned is that owning a small business has been a huge opportunity for personal growth. Not only have I had to learn about marketing, sales, business accounting, and how to wholesale my jewelry (among other things!), I have had to learn to believe in my designs and that creating jewelry that helps women feel unique and beautiful has great value.
One thing that I continually struggle with is finding the balance in life. There is ALWAYS something that needs to be done in the business. Closing the studio door and making sure that I am present for my family is very important to me. I’m a work in progress!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with LJ Artisan Designs – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
LJ Artisan Designs is a Denton based jewelry brand that is inspired by nature, architecture, faith, and the women who wear my jewelry. My customer is a woman who craves a distinctive style over something from a big box retailer. I create beautifully designed jewelry with a refined rustic spirit.
I am most proud of the fact that 10% of all of the sales proceeds from LJ Artisan Designs goes directly to help people in my community. Each month, I donate to a different local nonprofit organization that is working hard to help those in need. There are some amazing people who are truly making a difference in peoples’ lives, and I’m privileged to help them in their missions.
One of my favorite ways to design for my customers is through my Style Box by LJ membership program. Members receive customized, limited-edition jewelry (most designs are exclusive to members) packaged in a beautiful box each month. My members love the beautiful jewelry curated just for them and delivered right to their door!
I believe that my attention to the details of what my customers want is what sets me apart from others. I am blessed with many customers who believe in supporting local artisans, and they appreciate the quality and uniqueness of my jewelry.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We have access to just about anything in Dallas! Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, we had to drive quite a ways to get to great shops. Here in Dallas, we have a plethora of shopping options from big-name retailers to amazing independent artisans. Also, our dining choices are endless. Here in Denton, we have some pretty outstanding restaurants and live music as well!
What do I like the least about Dallas? One word – traffic!
Pricing:
- From great gift options under $50 to unique statement jewelry, there’s something for everyone!
- Style Box by LJ – $49.99 per month or save more by prepaying for 6 or 12 months
- Voyage readers can get 10% off their order! Use the code VOYAGE10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LJArtisanDesigns.com
- Phone: 940-295-5523
- Email: Leah@LJArtisanDesigns.com
- Instagram: @ljartisanjewelry
- Facebook: @ljartisandesigns
Image Credit:
Elisa Canon, Stephanie Southard, Christopher Lee
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
