Today we’d like to introduce you to Leela Asfaw.
Hi Leela, 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?
Creator and owner of Art By Leela. I am a self-taught mixed media, resin and woodworking artist; originally from Ethiopia.
I came to America when I was in 7th grade not being able to speaking English. It’s hard to make friends when you don’t speak the language, so I resorted into creating art for fun. I went on to graduating high school and college after college, I worked in fitness and physical therapy, but I never felt fulfilled with my career.
Art has always been in my life, but I never thought I could do it for a living. The 9 to 5 work life was not for me, I felt empty and not fulfilled. I wanted to live the American Dream and pursue my own happiness, so I decided to take a chance on me and becoming a full-time artist. I never looked back and it was the best decision I ever made. Creating art brings me peace, joy and fulfillment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been a full-time artist for over three years, and I would say it was full of challenges and obstacles. My two biggest challenges were time management and product pricing. Working from home made it difficult for me to stop working and walk away. Once I established a work schedule, it made it easy to create a work-life balance. As for pricing my products, I did a lot of research that helped me understand the basics of pricing my creations. All the challenges I have faced have helped me learn so much about myself as well as my business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a self-taught mixed media, resin and woodworking artist. I create one of a kind functional serving boards, furniture designs as well as home decorations inspired by the ocean and the moon. Resin is a fantastic medium that helps me recreate the most realistic beach art that incorporates sand and seashells I collect from all around the world.
The ocean has always brought me peace and serenity, and being able to recreate the ocean through my art, has deepened my connection to the ocean even more.
Pricing:
- Beach glass with stem $30ea
- Beach Serving Tray $130
- Moon Serving board $165
- Serving boards $45-$400
Contact Info:
- Email: Leelasart000@gmail.com
- Website: Artbyleela.com
- Instagram: @artbyleela000
- Facebook: Art By Leela
