Today we’d like to introduce you to June Leschek.
Hi June, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love of weddings began in my childhood. I would flip through my parents’ wedding album over and over, soaking it all in. Fascinated by my mother’s exquisite gown, decadent cake, elegant invitation, lavish flowers, and gilded gifts, I couldn’t wait to get married. The indescribable beauty surrounding the couple celebrating their love was more captivating than any dream.
While attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, and later Parsons School of Design, funds were often tight, but I loved giving gifts to those dearest to me. Since I couldn’t afford to buy gifts, I would make gifts out of scraps of fabric or whatever I could find. Seeing someone light up after they opened something I made for them filled me with immense joy, but making gifts for people didn’t seem like a career option. So, I worked for years in the fashion industry for designers such as Vera Wang and Rebecca Taylor.
One day I fell in love, and we had the fairytale wedding I’d always dreamed of having. After the wedding, I wanted to keep the dream alive so I used my fashion skills and started sketching wedding gown portraits for friends. I began to study calligraphy and dreamed of finding a way to combine everything I loved about weddings and the art of gifting. And so – I Do Illustration LLC was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a small business from nothing is not an easy task. It takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Sometimes no matter how hard you work, it’s still not enough. Every day can feel like a struggle. I am blessed to have a very supportive husband and loving friends and family who encourage me. You have to be 110% committed, and you have to love what you are trying to create.
One of my biggest struggles is exposure. As a budding business, I do not have a budget for marketing or a public relations firm. I rely on word of mouth and referrals, but the wedding business is quite specific and is not a repeat business model. I’m in a very specialized niche area of the wedding industry. Many wedding vendor sites do not have a wedding art or gift category so my little company gets lost. I’ve had to explore other areas. I am always looking for ways to expand my offerings to better serve my customers. I would love to offer more gifting options to businesses as well as direct clients.
It has also been a struggle to connect with my ideal audience. It can be difficult to find clients who appreciate what I create and are willing to invest in an illustration. Many people admire my art but are hesitant to buy something when their wedding budget needs to cover many other areas. I provide a luxury service, but it is not a necessity. Finding and connecting with my ideal clientele is an ongoing challenge.
I continue to try different methods to gain exposure. I take part in holiday markets, bridal shows, and live engraving events. These in-person events have been very rewarding and successful. I plan to increase my participation in these types of events in the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I Do Illustration specializes in creating custom wedding illustrations and personalized gifts embellished with calligraphy. The portraits make wonderful heartfelt keepsakes that preserve a moment in time. They can be displayed at the reception, given as a wedding gift, or a first anniversary “paper” present. The portrait can be of the bride, the happy couple, or any two subjects. Custom calligraphy can be added to personalize the portrait with the subjects’ names or a short phrase or date. You can order a custom fashion illustration of any ensemble, so this can be a unique gift for any occasion far beyond bridal. The possibilities are endless.
Many of the crystal and glass items I offer include complimentary hand engraving. Giving someone a personalized gift leaves a lasting impression that can be quite meaningful for the recipient. One of my favorite memories was engraving my crystal snowflake ornament for a gentleman whose mother had recently passed away. He wanted her nicknames engraved along with the years of her life. When I presented it to him, he teared up and thanked me over and over. As he walked away, I could hear him telling his wife that his mother would have loved it, and he would cherish it for the rest of his life. This is my true passion, creating beautiful gifts with meaning.
Besides creating custom illustrations and personalized gifts, I offer a variety of calligraphy and engraving services. I specialize in wedding-related gifts and favors, but many of the products I create make wonderful gifts for any occasion. I pour my heart into my work, and I live to create distinctive gifts that will have meaning for you and the recipient. I adore custom projects; so, if you are looking for something unforgettable and truly unique, please get in touch. I would love to help you bring your vision to life.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@idoillustration.com
- Website: www.idoillustration.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idoillustration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDoIllustration/
Image Credits
I Do Illustration LLC
Mariel Hannah Photography
Sophie Kaye Photography
