Leigh Elena Navarro handcrafts beautiful accessories at Leighelena. Combining her experience in Fashion Industry and expertise as an enamellist, she creates masterpieces that look unique and absolutely royal. Her collections showcase the enameling process, which in a true display of cyclicality, along with work in leather and exotic skins.
Leigh earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Business from University of San Diego. She then moved to Los Angeles and later, geared up to New York - the city of Fashion to head a boutique over there. In 2005, Leigh launched her own line of hand-crafted accessories called 'Leighelena' in Austin, Texas which is itself a hub of small businesses. And now after almost 6 years, Leighelena products are being sold out of more than 600 retailers across the US, and abroad. Leighelena has two Austin based storefronts.
It is an honor to have Leigh with us to talk about her store, her creations and a lot more. Catch the interview below:
Leigh, what influences the artist within you?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She taught me how to enamel and I admire her talent and ability to make something beautiful out of something simple. I like making organic pieces and I draw inspiration out of naturalistic materials. I always design pieces I want to wear, too.
Since how long you have been creating handmade accessories?
My mom taught me when I was young how to enamel, and since then I have been making jewelry. Its changed a bunch over the years but one thing has been consistent: I have always loved figuring out to to craft something new. Leigelena launched in 2005 when I returned to Texas.
For my enamel work, I start with a copper base and build layers of glass on top that are then fired in a kiln nearing 1600 degrees. The process is really fun because each piece, as a result of the firing, comes out completely unique. I also make exotic skin and leather bracelets jewelry and accessories.
What products does your brand offer?
We offer a wide range of jewelry and accessories including leather and exotic skin buckle bracelets, snap cuffs, rings and pendants with interchangeable magnetic enamel and exotic skin crowns, belts, buckles, and cuff links.
You've created so many wonderful accessories. Which one is your favorite? (come on, pick one!) ;)
The new Crowns jewelry systems is awesome because it is so versatile! My favorite has always been the enamel cuffs on exotic skins.
What has been the breakthrough point in your artistic career or is it yet to come?
Opening our storefront on South Congress here in Austin has been a great challenge. But, I never get tired of seeing our jewelry in magazines!!
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
Seeing my bracelet on Barbara Walters!
Would you like to share your future goals/plans with us?
We would like to open another retail location sometime. I will continue to develop the line every year too!
What are the other things that interests you? What do you do in your free time?
I have always had an interest in fashion, which guides my work. I love to travel and I love my dogs!
What message do you have for our readers?
There is value in supporting local artists who make their craft by hand. We are avid small business supporters and only hope our customers do the same for us!
Leigh, thank you for talking to us. We wish you all the very best for your another retail location!
Check out Leighelena for some awesome accessories.
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