Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Hall.
Leah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my business in Buffalo, NY (where I’m from) after my cousin asked me to make a gift for her Neos. I’ve always been the artsy-fartsy friend so this continued to happen when one day a friend asked me to make her earrings for an event. After that day, I was known around town for making name tags for small businesses and colorful earrings all out of wood. I began doing small vending events around town and eventually larger events such as Afropunk Brooklyn. When I moved to Atlanta in 2014, I continued doing much of the same. Here in Atlanta, the Village Market ATL has been a huge part of my current success and I am very grateful for Dr. Key and the staff of VMATL.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I’ve learned, struggles are inevitable within business. However, as my business has grown I have as well, learning to mend any fractured area to better serve my customer. I have had to change the materials, and tools that are used on my jewelry because too many customers reached back informing me that their earrings had broken or fallen apart or that they were allergic to the metals. Being that I am the only employee at HOA Accessory Bar, I have had to ask my friends for help at vending events because in the beginning I was becoming overwhelmed.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about HOA Accessory Bar – what should we know?
At HOA Accessory Bar, I specialize in making everyday jewelry for bold, Black and Brown people. The earrings that I produce, more specifically, scream “look at me! I have something to say”. I believe I am known for my “Don’t Touch My Hair” earrings with the old 90’s show “Martin” theme. At the time when I made them, I was so tired of people touching my hair I desperately needed to say it somehow! What I am proud of and what sets me apart from other companies is that I’m not afraid to say what is on my mind. There are amazingly talented designers out there. And of course, I don’t know them personally but I feel that with some of the designs I have in my head I’m pushing the script. I am and will be saying what many people feel or think but are afraid to say. I want the Accessory Bar to be a walking picket sign.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am the sole employee of HOA Accessory Bar, however, my friends volunteer so much of their time and energy. Whether it be bouncing ideas off of them, helping me at vending events, modeling, encouraging me to keep going or promoting my work, I would be NOTHING without them. I am so grateful for their time, vision, enthusiasm and ideas. Love you guys so much! Evanette Veira, Ashley Turner, Toni Jenkins, Tee Bradley, Tyshae Newton Moore, Ashley Scott, Monet Smiley, Lovetta Bradley Jones, Lindsey Niccs, Rhys Hall, Mom. ❤️
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HallsOfArt.com
- Email: inquiry@HallsOfArt.com
- Instagram: @HOA_AccessoryBar
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hoaaccessorybar
Image Credit:
@shanae_evelyn_, Paula Woodson
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