Leah Sjostrom Ashley: Jewelry Designer / Owner
Our designer, Leah Sjostrom Ashley, has been designing fine jewelry since 2005. Leah grew up in Wauwatosa, WI and took any art class her parents would let her including classes at the Milwaukee Art Museum and MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design). She went to the University of Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Arts in studio art. During her 4 years in college, she focused on metalsmithing and sculpture.
After graduating in 2005 Leah moved to Carlsbad, CA to attend the Gemological Institute of America for their Applied Jewelry Arts program. The program is designed to lead students through hand drawn design, computer aided design, wax carving, casting, and mold making.
While still in school at GIA, Leah got her first job designing for a high end jewelry store out of Carlsbad, CA and southeastern Alaska. While there, she designed many custom pieces for clients as well as developed several exclusive lines for the company’s retail stores.
After two years in California Leah decided it was time to move back to her beloved Midwest with her husband. After settling in Omaha, NE she worked with a small regional chain helping with merchandising and advertising. However Leah’s passion has always been in design. It was out of this passion that Leah Ashley Designs was founded.