We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leesha Patel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Leesha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I aspire to build a legacy as vibrant and meaningful as the art I create. I want to be remembered as someone who was always inspired by the world around me, who was never afraid to push boundaries and follow my dreams. Growing up in an Indian community where many were encouraged to pursue traditional careers, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents to follow my passion for art. This support not only shaped my career, but also inspired me to encourage others. My legacy, I hope, will not just be in the art I had created, but for the empathetic person I was, always ready to lend a helping hand, and someone who tried to bring laughter and joy to the people around me.
Leesha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Leesha and I’m a visual designer by day, string artist by night, and an occasional cake decorator — hence the name The Hammered Cupcake!
My journey into the world of string art has been quite an adventure. I’ve loved art from a very young age, thanks to Mommy Patel’s creative genes. I have always gifted handmade cakes, cards, and presents, because it feels good to give something that can’t be bought. It was a new love that inspired me to make my first string art, for my boyfriend — now husband. It required learning to cut/sand/stain wood, hammer nails to form a design, and weaving string until my fingers were sore. It was equally painful that it had to be a Dallas Cowboys piece. But once I started, I couldn’t stop making them for all my family and friends. Eventually people started reaching out asking if they could buy my creations — and here I am today!
I specialize in crafting expressive string art pieces for any occasion. Each piece is created with my unique attention to detail. I spend a lot of time understanding the wishes of each person and I feel my background in visual design sets me apart from others in the industry. I pour my heart and soul into every piece I create, ensuring that it exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
When I began creating string art, it was purely a hobby. I’m incredibly proud of how my work has guided me down this crafting path. I’m in awe of how many people have contacted me requesting new designs, it has led me to this point, where I’m booked nearly a year in advance! I take great pride in this achievement, even if it leaves me a little strung out (pun intended).
One of my most memorable achievements was completing a piece that was larger than life—it stood 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, requiring over 80 hours of work to complete. This project not only challenged me artistically, but also tested my resilience and commitment. For potential clients, I want them to know that I’m all about creating art with passion and I will always strive to bring your vision to life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Seeing the emotional impact my art has on people is most rewarding. Whether, it’s the tears of joy in a client’s eyes as they receive a personalized piece or hearing how my art has sparked someone else’s creativity. It’s that connection, that moment of shared emotion, that makes all the hard work and late nights worth it.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I put every ounce of my being into each project, making sure it’s not just a creation but an opportunity to capture the memory it represents. I hope when clients see my level of commitment, they can’t help but spread the word to their loved ones. Plus, staying active on socials, sharing my process, and connecting with my audience has also played a big part in building trust. It’s all about delivering quality work and making genuine connections. I hope one day people will recognize my artwork and say “Hey, isn’t that by The Hammered Cupcake?” – a girl can dream!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TheHammeredCupcake
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehammeredcupcake/