We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leah St. Clair a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Leah, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned to express myself through art lessons, which provided an escape from my home environment. The supportive studio atmosphere and my teacher were crucial for my growth as an artist. Within a year, I was assisting with administrative work and teaching while preparing for art college.

Looking back, I wish I had learned Photoshop earlier. It would have strengthened my digital skills and accelerated my artistic development in today’s digital age.

During my artistic journey, I developed crucial skills that allowed me to express myself freely and trust my judgment. I learned how to be an effective art teacher and discovered my strength in absorbing information and conveying it to others in a mentorship role. This ability has greatly benefited my career in various teaching and mentoring positions. Additionally, years of painting, both before and during college, helped me create with confidence.

However, I faced obstacles due to a less stable home life. I would like to believe that a more structured support would have allowed me to progress at a healthier pace. I was quite overconfident in my youth, which impacted my friendships, and personal challenges from growing up in a single-parent home added to my journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an artist and interior designer who has spent over a decade navigating the art and furniture industries. My journey began at Moore College of Art and Design, where I studied interior design. My first experience in retail was at Pier 1 while in college, where I found that my natural affinity for sales and helping customers led to success, even though I didn’t hold an official sales position. I graduated in 2010, but faced a challenging job market, which prevented me from working in an interior design studio or a large corporation.

I channeled my passion for design and communication into selling high-end furniture, becoming a specialist for discerning clients. For 15 years, I balanced my retail career with art ventures—painting, participating in art shows, and working and volunteering as a model. Balancing my roles as an artist and designer has helped me develop a diverse skill set, though it has made finding my niche challenging.

In 2017, I moved from Pennsylvania to Las Vegas with my fiancé and found my footing by working as the in-home designer at Lamps Plus. I started Art Home LV in 2020, during a nine-month layoff due to the pandemic. I managed to begin my journey building my business with four clients on the side that took a. chance on me.

Art Home LV specializes in enhancing homes by blending artistic vision with practical design. We curate art collections, add vibrant colors, and source decorative elements such as lighting and accent furniture, all tailored to fit each client’s aesthetic. By collaborating closely with clients, we ensure their unique style is incorporated into every aspect of the design process.

My unique blend of creativity and technical organization sets me apart from other interior designers. Clients often appreciate my keen artistic eye, which allows me to make thoughtful design choices, and my strong color coordination skills that bring harmony to each space. I have a distinct approach to transforming ordinary materials into meaningful environments, ensuring each project reflects the client’s vision and lifestyle.

Additionally, I focus on a brand philosophy that emphasizes “making your home your type of art.” This commitment to clean, organized artistry means I prioritize functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. I take pride in helping clients realize the true potential of their spaces, guiding them through a journey where their unique tastes and personalities shine through the design.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After my divorce, I was eager to dive into my business and worked as an independent contractor for four designers while working part-time at the Wynn shops. However, after about a year of this, I quickly burned through my savings and faced health issues. Struggling to pay bills and finding time to work on my own business, I made the tough decision to pause my business and take a job as a Case Manager assisting veterans with disability claims for the VA, which a friend referred me to.

During that year off, I focused on self-care, went on a great trip to Bali, and started hiking and running more. This break was transformative and challenging since it was what I thought I wanted for a long time. A client reached out through my website, reigniting my passion and motivating me to return to my entrepreneurial journey. For now, I have one client, and I still work my full-time job. I just signed a lease for a studio space in the downtown arts district to get out and slowly build while feeding my art soul.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The drive behind my creative journey is rooted in the desire to transform spaces and elevate the way people experience their environments. I believe that our surroundings significantly influence our mood, creativity, and overall well-being. My mission is to merge artistry with practical design to create harmonious spaces that reflect individual personalities and lifestyles.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been motivated by the joy of expression—both my own and that of those I work with. I aim to help clients see the potential in their homes, encouraging them to embrace their unique tastes and preferences. This belief in personalization drives my work, as I focus on understanding each client’s vision and using my skills to bring it to life.

Additionally, I strive to foster a sense of community through my art and design practices. Whether it’s through collaborative projects, mentoring aspiring artists, or hosting events like Art Battle Las Vegas, my goal is to create connections and inspire others to find their voices in the creative world.

At the core of my creative journey is a commitment to making art and design accessible, engaging, and meaningful. I want to empower others to see their homes as canvases for self-expression, blending form and function to enhance their everyday lives. This mission fuels my passion, guiding every project I undertake and every client I work with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arthomelv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthomelv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artandhomelv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahstclairlv/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtHomeLV
• Other: Google business page https://g.co/kgs/BWG71q1