Meet Leah Yard, the creative force behind Leah Yard Designs, a Vancouver-based jewellery brand that bridges the gap between fashion and fine jewellery. With a focus on demi-fine pieces, Leah’s designs celebrate versatility, personal expression, and self-transformation. From adjustable necklaces to removable charms, each piece is made for those who want to express their unique style.
What started as a creative outlet has evolved into a thriving business, with Leah’s commitment to quality materials and educating customers about their jewellery shining through. As someone who grew up on remote lighthouse islands, Leah’s journey from high school dropout to entrepreneur proves that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most meaningful destinations. Whether you’re shopping online or visiting the Vancouver studio, Leah Yard Designs is all about empowering customers to wear their personality with pride.
What is your business called and what does it do?
My business is called Leah Yard Designs. It is a jewellery brand in Vancouver. We are predominantly a demi-fine jewellery brand, bridging the gap between fashion and fine jewellery, although I have just recently started dipping my toes into fine (solid gold) jewellery as well.
What made you want to do this work?
I was certainly not a “born entrepreneur,” and my path was anything but traditional. I grew up on remote lighthouse islands where food, supplies, and mail arrived once a month by helicopter. With limited resources, I had to get creative early on, and I learned to work with my hands. Looking back, I like to say my design career started on those islands! I never imagined that this creative outlet would one day become a career. I’m a high school dropout who spent most of my twenties in entry-level jobs, trying to find my footing. As someone who never quite fit the mould—especially in the fashion industry—I discovered how powerful personal style can be. Clothes and jewelry became more than just accessories; they became tools for self-expression and even self-protection.
Often the least educated or experienced person in the room, I learned how to shift perceptions through how I presented myself. That’s when I truly fell in love with fashion—and especially jewelry—for its ability to transform how we feel about ourselves.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Originally, I started my business as a creative outlet. Once I gained traction and watched other people wear and style my piece,s I realized I was building something bigger. Jewellery has the ability to transform how we feel about ourselves. My goal is to create highly versatile pieces that allow the wearer to express their personal style.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
I design for jewellery enthusiasts who want to express their unique point of view through fashion. Throughout the collection, you’ll find adjustable necklaces, removable charms, and convertible styles. Each item can be worn alone or mixed and matched to celebrate the wearer’s personal taste. Our customers are elegant, adventurous, sentimental, and not afraid to break a fashion rule now and then!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell our jewellery directly to our customers online, in person at local events, and at our Vancouver studio. We’re also grateful to have incredible retail partners that sell the line in stores across Canada.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We’re located in Vancouver. Our studio address is #201-161 Keefer Street. In-person shopping is available by appointment. We’d love to have you come by! You can set up a time by emailing leah@leahyarddesigns.com.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
The best questions are about materials. As a whole, the jewellery industry hasn’t done the best job at explaining materials to consumers– I’m on a mission to change that. Gold plating varies widely in quality, and oftentimes, pieces are not clearly marked, which leaves buyers in the dark. I encourage people to ask about materials and aftercare. We use gold fill and a high-quality gold plating throughout our collection. Though these materials are made to last, taking care of your jewellery will help keep them looking their best. The general “jewellery care” tip is that it should be the last thing you put on in the morning, and the first thing you take off at night. We want to equip our customers with the right knowledge so they can enjoy their pieces for years, not just a season.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is the community we’ve built. It’s the thing that has surprised me the most about building a brand. I didn’t expect people to invest in LYD in this way. As a weird little island kid, having built a community of like-minded people who celebrate what we do is incredibly rewarding. I am so grateful for it every day. The worst part is the uncertainty. Building a brand in a saturated market has been challenging—especially as a luxury product. When the economy shifts, items like ours aren’t typically where people prioritize their spending, which makes it even harder to grow sustainably.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
The fashion industry comes with a lot that I don’t agree with. I have always joked that I am the “least likely” person to have ended up in an industry that values glamour and prestige! I have used being a “misfit” in my industry as a way to connect with people. I launched the “Voted Least Likely” podcast in 2022 as a way to demystify what it takes to be successful.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Lavoh is an incredible local business that is disrupting the beauty industry with their reusable makeup remover cloths.
