Creator Spotlight: Leah Yard Designs
By Kyla Getty, Founder + Interview with Leah Yard
How do I love Jewelry? Let me count the ways! Jewelry is more than just the perfect final touch to a well put-together look. It’s a symbol of self-worth. It’s a gift that allows the recipient to carry the giver’s love with them wherever they go. It’s a timeless form of creative self-expression that lives on.
Leah Yard is a Vancouver Jewellery Stylist / Designer and the Owner behind Leah Yard Designs (est. 2013). With an unusual upbringing including growing up on a series of lighthouse islands, she has turned her experience of isolated living into a passion to create a community with her brand platform.
I was first introduced to Leah Yard and her beautiful jewelry designs in 2017 when she teamed up with us on our Holiday Gift Guide. I immediately loved how her work with both dainty and edgy. The signature swirls seen in many pieces of her collection were a common thread that intrigued me from a branding perspective. I also loved that no matter which pieces you collected, when you wear her jewelry together, it looks intentional.
I have been growing my own collection of Leah Yard Designs, and I’ll be sharing more of my own pieces (and how I like to style them) over on instagram. Personally, I love the Filigree Monogram pieces. I have always been attracted to jewelry with the letter K. (Now with more meaning than ever since I am married to Kyle with daughters Kate and Kadence!) Beyond my love for the letter ‘K’, monograms intrigue me. The make a statement of pride and belonging… whether your pride in your family or ancestry, or pride in your own self-worth and your very own name.
Contest
Because of my love for monograms, Leah and I are teaming up on a giveaway! Beginning today, we are giving you the chance to win the Filigree Monogram necklace with the letter of your choosing! Be sure to see the giveaway on Instagram for all of the details. Contest will from from August 24th - September 7th with winner announced on the 8th! (Necklace shown)
Leah Shares: “During COVID-19, having community and support is so important. The more we can connect with one another, the more we all come out thriving. The phrase ‘I Like Her Style’ is empowering and supportive! I love the focus of celebrating other women, it’s part of why I am excited to be included in the ILHSV family!”
CONNECTING WITH THE CREATOR, MY CONVERSATION WITH LEAH
Tell us about your background...
I had an unusual upbringing including growing up on a series of isolated lighthouse islands as a child! It was this experience that developed my creativity, taught me to work with my hands, and think outside the box. It was also this experience that ingrained in me the importance of community. Growing up I didn’t have one. When we weren’t living in isolated places, my family kept to themselves. I homeschooled most of my life before dropping out after grade 9. I moved out on my own and worked entry level jobs for years.
I share this unglamorous side of my story because it has been my biggest lesson in life. So many people do not know that they have the ability to change their situation. For me, most of my life I didn't know that I had the ability to become something better. I didn’t have role models around me that gave me ideas to dream big or take risks. It wasn’t until I started my own business and forced myself to follow my intuition that I started to change my life. Leah Yard Designs is a jewellery company, but it has become my mission to inspire others to follow their dreams, regardless of how far-fetched it might feel, or where you come from.
What does life at home look like for you today?
Right now, home doubles as my studio space, so there has been a shift trying to navigate balancing work & life at home! It’s all a learning curve! When I’m not working, there is a lot of Netflix and snacking going onJ
What makes you come alive?
So many things— but I think the underlying passion is creativity. It goes beyond the obvious skills like pairing colour and shape. Everyone is creative. In my own business I have found the way I communicate, problem solve, pivot, negotiate, etc., are all other examples of creative work. People underestimate the power they have within their own creativity.
What is your current struggle?
Managing the uncertainty of what’s to come over the next few months/years with COVID-19 is definitely the biggest struggle for me. I am trying to take each day at a time and make the most of the things I can control. In the fashion industry, we are used to planning far in advance for upcoming seasons—so it has been a shift to pivot our launches and think more in the short term.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who decides to make a change in their life, and follows through. I am so inspired by people overriding their “inner critic” and just going for something! For me it isn’t the size of the achievement, it comes down to the drive, and the willingness to try—regardless of what other people might think. That’s a superpower!
What’s your number one value that you take with you through life?
Be kind. Kindness has a ripple effect, and it’s a choice. We all have bad days, but when you can, choose to be kind—no one ever knows what someone else’s day has been like. I’ve had days where I wasn’t kind and wrote a passive-aggressive email, or was over-the-top annoyed with someone walking slow in front of me… and these are the days that I end up feeling unsettled at the end of. We all know that feeling when we are a lesser version of ourselves. I try to remember to do my best, with how I feel and where I am at—and remember that everyone is also doing their best. Plus, I am sure we can all relate to getting a great smile that made our day betterJ
What are your guilty pleasures... SPILL!
I’ll have to narrow it down to three (is that bad that there’s too many?!) Homemade Rice Krispie Squares, Nachos, vodka martini with green olives, white wine… (oops, that was 4!)
For you – 2020 has been the year of... ?
Clarity.
Tell us one thing that you think is 100% UNDER-RATED…
Relentlessness is highly under-rated! Though it’s not the most celebrated, it’s one of my favourite life skills. I’m rarely the smartest one in the room, but I can out-work or out-last many :P
HONESTLY - how do you define success and do you feel successful?
This is such a great question, and one I think we should constantly check in with ourselves on! I am realizing that success for me is progress. I don’t think I’ll ever feel as though I have “made it”, but I am not sure anyone ever does. My focus is on getting better, learning more, growing, pushing myself. On the days I feel I moved ahead, I 100% feel successful. But it is a constant journey.
How do you hope that other women see you?
I hope other women see me as a role model, as I do them. We can all learn from one another, I really believe each person has a lesson to teach.
What things about yourself do you feel make you relatable?
I’ve worked a lot of entry level and service jobs. These experiences gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of people, hone in my work ethic, and made me very empathetic! I try to always put myself in someone else’s shoes, which helps me to connect with other people more genuinely.
What is your go-to for self care?
Exercise! It’s a non-negotiable for me to do some kind of physical training at least 3-5 times a week.
Do you have a routine or ritual that you’d say is the secret to your success (or sanity?!)
My morning routine has become crucial—especially during the pandemic! For anyone who feels stuck or like they aren’t getting ahead, I highly recommend starting with a disciplined routine first thing. When you get yourself prepped for the day you have already made a choice to set yourself up for succeeding. You start to stack those choices as daily victories.
On the jewelry…
Tell us about the metals and materials you use.
We focus on 14 Karat Gold Fill, Rose Gold Fill, Sterling Silver, and a variety of gemstones and pearls. My favourite metal to work with is Gold Fill, it’s a high quality metal that is perfect for items that get more friction such as ring bands, ear posts and bangles!
What can we look forward to in your future collection?
I’m currently designing some great basics that will be very versatile! I am all about getting the most out of a few pieces, so I am working on adding more charms and adjustable pieces to the mix!
Any tips for jewelry care?
My number one tip is to avoid moisture! So many people want to be able to wear their jewellery while they shower, exercise, etc. I totally get it, but your jewels will last years longer if you get into the habit of taking your pieces off! It’s not only metals that can be affected by chemicals and moisture, pearls or softer gemstones like opals can be easily damaged too!
About the business
Tell us about your career beginnings and background.
It’s not a very glamorous resume! Here’s the part that a lot of entrepreneurs don’t tell you about: my company started in 2013, and I built it alongside several day jobs including construction site clean-up, dishwashing, retail, and reception. It wasn’t until 5 years in that it became my full-time job. It’s a piece of the entrepreneurial journey that a lot of people don’t like to highlight, but I think it’s very important! I would love to inspire someone to start a business and follow their dreams, but I want them to go in knowing that it’s a long term commitment and will require sacrifices along the way. I also want them to know it is 100% worth it.
What’s the story behind your brand?
The brand has evolved a lot along the way! When I first started out I made one of a kind designs that were quite elaborate. At that time, it was just a “specialty jewellery company”. Over the years, the line and brand became more refined. The jewellery is classic and meant to be mixed and matched, and the brand mission is to use the platform as a way to inspire others. I want someone to feel encouraged and empowered, whether it’s when they put on their LYD jewellery, or read my story.
What do you love most about your collection?
I love how feminine it is. The filigree-style has become a signature element and I love the whimsical touch that it adds!
What are the go-to pieces you wear most from your own collection?
I am a hoop and bangle girl! I wear the Glamour Hoops, paired with the Mini Filigree Ear Climbers, and a stack ofbanglesEVERY day! It’s my jewellery uniform :P
When it comes to jewelry - what do you think that every woman deserves - even if she buys it for herself?
Something sentimental! What I love so much about jewellery is that is often reminds us of a special time or accomplishment. Women sometimes wait to be celebrated by someone else, they shouldn’t!
Who do you have in mind when you’re designing?
I design for a wearer who has a classic style, with a playful side. Someone who loves dressing up, but also pairs ripped jeans with their fanciest jewellery.
Which pieces stand out to you for gift-giving?
The Monogram Collectionis a wonderful way to celebrate someone! I wear the Monogram Necklace with an “L” , and the Monogram Lariat with a “K” for my partner Kyle. These two together have become my good luck charms!
What does the process look like from an idea to production?
Depending on the design, I either start with a sketch or I freeform a prototype. Each design is made in copper during the prototype stage. This is where measurements, weight, and size are tested. I’ve had some design ideas that I think are great in my mind until I make a prototype and discover that (due to physics) it just won’t work!
Once the specifics are defined, the item is catalogued, and the pieces are put into production! Everything is handmade in Vancouver, so there is a lot of control over the quality of each piece.
What mistake have you made in your career?
Oh my goodness, I could use an entire page for this question! The two biggest ones are: not finding mentors or asking for help. I come from a proud family who values self-sufficiency above all else (hence the lighthouse living!). I didn’t realize how ingrained this value was in me until I kept hitting walls along the way in business. For years I struggled alone, and thought that asking for help was somehow cheating! But the catch is, no one does this all alone. We all learn from one another, whether we go to school or ask someone who has done it before us. I let me ego get in the way of my growth.
The second lesson: I listened to terrible advice. I was always the least educated person in the room, so I would take what people said as the absolute truth. It is so important to get feedback, but I was gullible to a fault. Which meant every single doubt or worry someone had about my choices, I took as a certainty instead of getting a second opinion, or questioning the source.
On Leah’s Personal Style…
What’s your personal jewelry or style philosophy?
I love style juxtaposition! I am often styled in a band t-shirt, ripped jeans, and ALL my jewellery! Style is still like playing dress-up for me, I like to be comfortable and not overthink it too muchJ
What were the last three fashion/style purchases you made?
I just bought two more dresses from Lost in Layers! That’s now 3 of Lindsay’s pieces that I own!
What’s your go-to outift to slay the day?
Anything all black! When I am busy it is one less decision to make. It always looks chic and goes great with gold chains and hoopsJ
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www.leahyarddesigns.com | Instagram @leahyarddesigns