Today we’d like to introduce you to Leia Zumbro
Hi Leia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was in High School I knew I loved art, I was taking all of the art classes at my school but still felt like I wanted to do something more. Searching the internet, I found Craft Alliance and started taking jewelry classes. I was totally hooked. My amazing teacher told me I could go to college for Jewelry and Metalsmithing. So I decided then that’s what I would do. I went on to get a BFA and an MFA in Jewelry and Metals and worked for a local independent jeweler for 6 years. After school, I started doing art fairs and teaching trying to find my way. I loved doing the art fairs and making work and eventually that took off and I quit my other jobs. Along the way I worked in a smattering of studios, and in 2020 I was asked to join a collective studio & storefront. After four years in this space, it’s clear it’s been a great decision.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Knowing what I wanted to do at 16 was very decisive and kinda wild, but it definitely wasn’t the straightest nor the easiest road. For a variety of reasons, it took me three universities and 5.5 years to finish my undergraduate degree. When I got out, I tried to get a job in a jewelry store and no one would hire me. I wasn’t sure what my next move was so I stayed for awhile in the restaurant industry until I made the decision to go to graduate school. After my masters I threw myself into as many jobs related to jewelry or art as I could and worked on my business while doing as many as 3 jobs on the side. When art fairs took the forefront of my income, I traveled the country mostly by car and did twelve shows a year. When the pandemic hit, I was lucky enough to be in an affordable storefront space that allowed me to slow down and shift my business into making more one of a kind heirloom and commitment jewelry.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a micro, woman run jewelry business, that focuses on handmade designs. I have a collection of my designs for sale in store and on my website. I offer a custom design services focusing on making heirloom and commitment jewelry. And most recently, I started offering Permanent Jewelry at my store. My work is known for being really different from what you can find in other jewelry stores. I use a lot of non traditional stones, oddly shaped sapphires, lots of rose cut natural diamonds of all colors, and incorporate these stones into organic feeling and whimsical pieces. I also incorporate hand engraving into my work and offer some personalization. When sourcing stones, I’m trying to use trusted sources that care about where the stones are coming from and how the miners are treated. My material supplier is also certified recycled.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think people are really leaning into working with a small business to make custom or customized pieces. Spending their time working with another person to create something truly special is such a cool experience with unique results.
Where their jewelry materials are coming from is also a big concern, that I feel will take more of a center stage time goes on.
Pricing:
- My in stock jewelry prices start at $100
- In stock jewelry goes up to about $6,000
- my full custom design service starts at $3,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LeiaZumbro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiazumbrojewelry/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeiaZumbroJewelry/
