Meet Leah Mead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Mead. 

Hi Leah, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started making jewelry long ago (not THAT long ago) when I was a little girl. Not good jewelry, though. You know what I’m talking about… The plastic beads you string onto fishing line, or yarn, or whatever will hold them together, then wear them until you have to cut it off because there is no clasp…That kind of jewelry. I just loved creating things. Whether they were good or not, I’d give it a go. Then cut them apart and make something new. Fast forward 25 or so years, and here I am, still making jewelry. I will say my skill and technique has improved, but the reason I make it is still the same. I just love creating things!! 

Since being an eight-year-old little girl, I’ve added quite a bit of different materials to my plastic bead reservoir. I love the classic, typical materials like glass beads and crystals, but have found I like even more the welcomed challenge of using things like metal, leather, wood, denim, and feathers. I’m always looking around to find something to morph into a piece of jewelry. One of my favorite things to do is walk through the woods and get inspired by the different colors and textures that God created for us to enjoy. He is the ultimate artist, and the inspiration out there is limitless! 

I created my shop simply because I had so much jewelry for myself, yet wanted to make more! I started at craft shows and then created an Etsy store. I currently sell my jewelry in several shops as well. 

Where does my shop name, Jane Elizabeth, come from? Jane Elizabeth is my mom. I named my company after her because she is the one in whom I inherited my creativity. I remember her always working on some sort of crafting project. I would shuffle through her many draws filled with miscellaneous things to see what I could make, too. Don’t tell her, but sometimes I still do that when I visit home! 😉 

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?
Since this business started out just for the fun of it, I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve sold more or less at times due to having kids, working, etc. Currently, this is my full-time business, and I feel spoiled to be doing what I love every day. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make handmade jewelry. I use a variety of materials such as glass, wood, leather, gemstones, and metal. I’m known mostly for the earrings and leather wrap bracelets I make. I love making larger, statement pieces for woman. My desire is to create pieces for woman who are looking for easy and practical ways to look stylish and put together without breaking the bank. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
People can support me by purchasing for themselves or someone special to them or simply by sharing my website and social media pages. 

Contact Info:

• Website: janeelizabethjewelry.com
• Instagram: janeelizabethjewelry
• Facebook: Jane Elizabeth Jewelry
• Other: jejewelry.etsy.com