Check Out Joseph Leikam’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Leikam.

Hi Joseph, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
2011 was a disaster for me, my wife left me with our son and My employer of 12 years closed. I had to start at square one. I reinvented myself and streamlined my life by reaching out to connections for work opportunities and childcare. I cooked cleaned and did everything a single parent does to maintain the best possible life for what my new family had become. To practice self-care I became increasingly interested in Live Music. I found bands with relatable lyrics and stories that made me feel less alone. Having someone else that understands your traumas makes it easier for you to keep surviving. Well, the lead singer of one of my favorite bands, Frightened Rabbit, struggled with mental health like I do and he ended up losing that battle. The Whole community of fans came together and did things to support each other in our time of loss. My idea was to sell stickers that were cute and thought-provoking to raise funds to donate to mental health charities that would help this community and others.

My first sticker was a narwhal and the phrase “Narmahlize Mental Healthcare” and it was a process of designing and redesigning and learning sales platforms. I started to make other music-themed stickers to improve the shop to bring more attention to the shop and therefore my cause. I now have 21 listings with a variety of sizes and even pins to enhance selection. They feature lyrics from my favorite artists, Frightened Rabbit, We Were Promised Jetpacks, CAAMP, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Amigo the Devil. I keep a list of ideas in my phone for when inspiration hits me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had to learn a lot about design Marketing and SEO. I have had to improve my social media presence and communication in General. During this process, I started a new Marriage Graduate School where I got an MBA and Masters of Accountancy. I am still in the process of passing my CPA exams and so life is perpetually busy. I had a major mental health crisis in 2022 that was a major setback. I had to take some time to reset and I think I am doing better than ever.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was a traumatized youth and I did not know what to do with my life. I liked the challenge of self-expression and majored in art in college. I learned many media and did not find the precision and clarity I desired. I got a general studio degree. I did not pursue a career in my field because I was not sure how to apply it. I stayed in a retail career and applied my artistic training to merchandising execution and presenting to stakeholders. I was pretty good at it but was limited in growth opportunities by economies and life-changing events. I found that I am most compelled by taking information and presenting it in a fashion that tells a story. I decided I could apply this in a manner that was lucrative by going into accounting. Everyone has an idea of accountants as dry and boring, but I take a different approach. I take the information and systematically manipulate it into a clear picture of an organization. I still get inspired by new ideas and innovation. There is less color in accounting though, so That is why I grew into making my stickers and pins. I take concepts and pivot them into a quick expression of ideas. People can connect to the idea and get it immediately. I like these momentary connections people can have and use my ideas to define themselves to other people.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family makes me happy. My wife, My son and our pets are a giant family that is my joy. We have four dogs, two cats and a beardie. My love language is acts of service. I like to take care of them and ensure health and safety and love. I like going to live shows and having the freedom of connection to the common understanding of complete strangers. I like knowing that other people can relate to me while still being our individual selves.

Pricing:

• Half of the net profits go to charity
• Single items range from 2-15 dollars

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeikamArt
• Instagram: @leikamzoo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosephLeikamArt
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/josephleikam

Image Credits
Joseph Leikam