Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Spencer.
Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Throughout my childhood and into adult life, I was always captivated and motivated by art. I took art classes consistently, but never actually considered I would have a full-time career like this. When I was growing up, most parents pushed their children to get into good colleges that would lead to successful career ventures. I chose to go to Ithaca College based on the beauty of the town itself, and the outstanding communications school they had. I did the morning announcements for years in high school, as well as photography. So at the time, I chose what suited me best. My major was television-radio with a media production concentration. Throughout my time there, I met a lot of inspiring people who took me to music festivals and arts-focused events. My major had a semester-long program in Los Angeles that myself and a lot of my fellow TV and film friends applied to be a part of. December 2012, we all traveled across the country to meet up in Burbank California, where we would finish out our college experience. While we continued to take classes there, we also had to hold an internship for the entirety of the semester, as well as bank a handful of hours doing gigs. A lot of the outside work I did was arts inspired. I was in a handful of commercials and music videos where I showcased my flow arts. Throughout all of it, my friends and I would make time to go to local shows. One night, we were all planning to go see a musical act at a local venue. I arrived there first, so I made some new friends. Little did I know, the group of people I met would help to put me on the path that brought me to where I am now. Every choice I made led me here. Through these new artistic souls, I met people who created for the love of it all. They were the first people who put wire into my hands and told me to just have fun and express myself. I started wire wrapping for extra income, and from there, everything took off. I was met with a mixture of support and misunderstanding from my family and friends when I decided to pursue jewelry instead of a career in media production. It took me years of trial and error, learning how to do my own jewelry photography, marketing/advertising, sales, and taxes. Through all the bumps in the road, the learning curves, and push-back, I am happy to say I own a successful full-time jewelry business. And I wouldn’t change it for the world. My work is ever evolving and changing. In a world that does the same.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning the business side was a challenge. I only took one business class in college, so I felt a little overwhelmed initially. Also, communicating with potential clients and generally building a client-base felt difficult at times. The wire wrap community is vast, so finding my signature style to help myself stand out was also quite a journey, I am just grateful that every struggle was met with reward in some form.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create jewelry from sterling and copper wire with fine gems and minerals. I also do metal fabrication and engraving. I really enjoy a challenge, so I try to be innovative and come up with fresh and exciting experimental ideas when I can. With metal fabrication, I really love hand-sawing pieces from silver sheet and soldering them layer by layer to make an image come across. Character pieces have been my bread and butter since I made a fully wire worked Bulbasaur back in 2019. The pieces I have been most proud of are the ones I decided to just go all in on and have fun. I like to think that my pieces speak for themselves. I am surrounded by so many incredibly talented artists in this community, and I am just thankful to be recognized and have my work stand out to people in certain ways that truly bring me joy.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
A partner at the time back in 2018, told me I should shoot my shot at applying for a metal smith position at a local woman-owned business. She hired me based solely on my attention to detail pertaining to my wire work. Joy at Joy Stember Metal Arts Studio quickly became one of my biggest inspirations and mentors, as well as a great friend. She taught me the ins and outs of soldering sheet metal. As well as using heavy machinery to cut, roll, grind and sand metal. Throughout my work there, she continued to help guide and encourage me with my own art. I started working with sheet silver quickly thanks to her initial training with sheet pewter. I will always be grateful for her taking a chance on me and always being supportive of my passions.
In 2023, I went to Kansas for a week to take a stone setting and engraving course through GRS. This was also a life-changing course for me, as it pushed me further to not be scared to learn new things. My parents and jewelry friends have also played a huge role in my efforts to continue down this path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ladymanipura.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lady.manipura
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahps
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leahmanipura7640
- Other: https://linktr.ee/manipuracreations
