Talk/Shop with Stacy of Leif Shop
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Continue below to read all about Stacy, where the name LEIF comes from, and her passionate advice to future small business owners (definitely worth the read!)
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania but I’ve lived in NYC for almost 8 years now. I’ve been selling things on the internet since I was 13 – it all started with selling virtual commodities from video games on eBay, back when that was legal! When I have time, I can be pretty nerdy (read: I still play video games sometimes). Seriously though, I’ve been selling things for as long as I can remember. The video game stuff, old clothes, new clothes; in college I briefly had a little gourmet cookie business (online, of course). At one point I had a vintage shop on Etsy…I think I’ve found my calling now, though.
Let’s start at the beginning – How/when did LEIF Shop get started?
I just remember thinking that there was no way I could ever be happy in life working a normal job for the rest of my life, but it seemed like it was the only option. Never in a million years would I have thought I could get to where I am now in what was a relatively short timespan – I think things can feel really impossible one minute but then the next thing you know, you’re just doing it. Leif is a scandinavian male first name. I’ve been fascinated with all things Scandinavian, especially danish, for years now. Their design and way of life is a big inspiration for me. I chose the name because it’s sort of like a clean slate – the name equivalent of an all white room that I can fill with curated explosions of color.
The best thing about owning your own small business?
Well, sleeping in is pretty high on my list… (not a) jokes aside, I’m sure I don’t have to tell anyone this, but there’s nothing better than being your own boss. Creating something that is completely, 100 percent your vision is fantastic. Also, I get to be at home with my little pup more, have long breakfasts, and all that fun stuff.
What are you inspired by when it comes to picking items for Leif?
Definitely things that I think people haven’t seen before; I really love discovering an artist that isn’t super well known yet and giving them more exposure. Other than that, things that feel whimsical, or like little luxuries. Or things that feel cozy like you’d want to use them in a log cabin on a long weekend.
What are your favorite piece(s) in the shop currently?
This pillow is one of my favorite things (I kept one for myself) – it has a super cool fluorescent trim that you can’t see in the photo very well. Also this ring, the pink color was made exclusively for LEIF, it looks magical in person. And I love everything from Caroline Z Hurley, I feel like her aesthetic is so perfectly aligned with mine.
What are your future goals?
I’d love to start a LEIF branded product line. That will definitely exist one day.
You carry the best home décor and accessories! Describe your dream home:
I pretty much think about my dream home every day so this is not a difficult question. White floors, reclaimed wooden beams, plants in every corner, super colorful art everywhere, happy clutter, a hearty dining table with a vase of cherryblossoms and mismatched chairs, soft textures (sheepskin throws and lamb fur pillows)…and probably a mint green Smeg refridgerator. Oh, and a terrace with a hammock. Is that so much to ask?
One piece of advice to those wanting to start their own small business?
Make sure it’s 100% your dream, your vision. If it never feels like work, then you know you’ve found your passion. Maybe this is bad advice, but I think making a business plan and all that stuff is kind of pointless and silly. If you know what you want to do, just go for it.
Current obsession?
I’m more into tea now than I’ve ever been so I’ve been enjoying trying a bunch of new ones, especially anything with lemon and ginger. Also really into putting huge bunches of eucalyptus everywhere and ummm, this “Moso Bamboo” scent by Voluspa. It smells like a forest covered in snow (I’m not sure when bamboo started smelling that way, but trust me). These items in the Birch & Amber scent are also really great for winter.
Other small businesses you’re inspired by?
I really love CLAMLAB, I own a handful of her pottery and it doesn’t get much better. As far as other “shops”, Babasouk is also really fun, there’s a few things I want from there. And Pourporter and MILLE.
Thank you, Stacy!
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Shop LEIF
Bright + Festive | Subtle + Shimmer |
1 // Arcade Coaster Set 2 // Horizon Study Earrings 3 // Minimalist Color Study Necklace 4 // Color Mix Pom Pom Garland |
1 // Calcite Claw Ring 2 // Metallic Leather Clutch 3 // Mineral Matches 4 // Rifle Paper Co. Seasons Greetings Card 5 // Lucia Soy Candle 6 // Gem Earrings |
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For all you fellow last minute shoppers, TODAY is the last day to place any orders for Christmas Day arrival! Hurry!! You’ll find SO MANY amazing + beautiful gifts for the favorite people in your life! Also, while you’re at it, be sure to take 20% OFF ornaments and garlands with promo code: TRIMTHETREE (ends 12/19/13)
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Follow Stacy and LEIF Shop
SHOP // BLOG
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Other posts you may enjoy:
16 comments :
Alecia
December 19, 2013 9:08AM
love this shop so much! I have also been a long time fan 🙂 I love that she says there will be a Leif product line one day!!!
Eleni | My Paradissi
December 19, 2013 9:29AM
So fun to read about Stacy! I’ve been a fan of LEIF for so long now ^^ Really, can anyone pass by its fabulous products?!
Melissa | Yours Truly
December 19, 2013 10:39AM
That pom-pom garland is adorable! Thanks for the intro to this lovely shop Jessica!
Brooke Tollison
December 19, 2013 10:57AM
THANK YOU for this feature. I love LEIF shop and have always wanted to know more about the store and owner. I totally agree about the business plans being silliness. I have wanted to start my own online business for years now and I can’t wait to do it one day!
Angel Y.
December 19, 2013 11:13AM
I stopped by and browsed LEIF today after seeing your post and love everything in the shop! Stacy is definitely a lovely lady with a good eye for beautiful products.
Kevin O’Gara
December 19, 2013 11:36AM
Oh I do love Leif shop! What a sweet interview too. I totally want to get to know Stacy now (:
Kate
December 19, 2013 2:36PM
So inspiring!
Rowena @ rolala loves
December 19, 2013 4:10PM
I’ve been a fan of LEIF since discovering the shop earlier this year! Stacy has an incredible aesthetic and eye for finding the most charming things. This was such a fun interview to read!
Thanks for your very sweet comment on my post yesterday Jessica! I truly appreciate the encouragement and will stay strong 🙂
Bethany
December 19, 2013 4:41PM
I recently discovered Leif and am completely in love. Great interview–cool to know the back story!
Laicie / A Thousand Threads
December 19, 2013 5:30PM
I want everything too!! Love this interview. 🙂
Paige
December 20, 2013 2:10AM
I don’t know what it is about Pom Pom garlands, but I absolutely love them. Intently desiring those Voluspa items as well. Thank you for sharing — this is a great shop I had somehow managed to not come across this far.
trishie
December 20, 2013 6:21AM
Oh so many pretty things! I’m bookmarking this shop so I can have a better perv later.
Merry Christmas, Jessica!
Rachel
December 20, 2013 11:16AM
Gosh I love leif shop
emma
December 20, 2013 11:58AM
I love love LOVE Leif! So good to know a little bit about Stacy & the shop!
Victoria | Oh So Pretty
December 20, 2013 2:39PM
Okay yes! You know I absolutely adore everything from Leif! So fun to learn more about Stacy! I love her advice about succeeding is making sure it’s 100% our dream and vision – you know my strong feelings on that subject! Great feature! xoxo <33333333
Tracey
December 23, 2013 10:17AM
Great interview Jessica! It’s always wonderful to read about what motivates a shop owner or creator and understand their vision.