Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leslie Sims. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Leslie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My journey into art jewelry has been both reflective and liberating—a soulful return to my roots and a reconnection with my creative essence. As a child, I delighted in sketching, painting, and playing with accessories—always drawn to vibrant color palettes and bold expressions of style. My mother, ever the fashionista, had an effortless flair for accessorizing, and that passion quickly became mine. I still remember flipping through the pages of Essence and Ebony, captivated by the poise of African-American women styled in striking, self-assured ensembles. My family nurtured creativity with pride. My Nana, a gifted milliner who built a successful hat business across multiple locations, showed me what it meant to turn personal vision into a legacy. Their influences lit a creative spark in me that never truly dimmed—it simply evolved.

As I grew, I found another canvas for creativity—digital marketing. I came to understand that my career wasn’t separate from my artistry; it was simply another way to express it. Today, I lead a rewarding career in digital marketing, where I guide brand storytelling, content strategy, and multi-channel engagement across a range of platforms. This work is an extension of my creative identity. Whether I’m concepting campaigns, structuring project plans, shaping visual narratives, or directing digital strategy, I’m always creating. Each initiative gives me the opportunity to inspire and connect, while sharpening my design eye and deepening my appreciation for storytelling.

That lens—the one I’ve refined through years of strategic and creative work—ultimately led me back to hands-on artistry. When the world quieted during the pandemic, I was given the space to reflect and create. I returned to my sketchbook and began crafting pieces that felt soulful and significant. When I couldn’t find jewelry that resonated, I decided to make it myself. What began as a quiet act of personal expression quickly grew into something deeper. I immersed myself in online tutorials and, eager to further hone my craft, enrolled in formal metalsmithing instruction at the university. I refined my technique, followed my curiosity, and let the work evolve. As I began to share my pieces, others took notice. My family and close friends championed my vision, encouraging me not just to create—but to believe in what I was building.

Although creativity is central to everything I do, I’ve learned how vital it is to slow down, to listen inward, and to nurture the imagination that so often gets overlooked. Tapping into your gifts is not just about talent—it’s a spiritual practice, one that calls for courage, clarity, and trust. I’m incredibly proud of the L. Louise Kollective and what it represents. It’s a reflection of my heritage, my growth, my trials, and my faith—and a celebration of the power that comes from embracing every facet of who we are.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Leslie Sims, and I’m an Art Jewelry Designer and Digital Marketing Director based in Detroit, Michigan—though I often describe myself as a daydreamer with a passion for purpose. I’m also the founder of the L. Louise Kollective—a movement designed to inspire uniqueness and bold self-expression with cultural significance. What began as a personal creative exploration has since blossomed into a soulful platform where handcrafted adornments become a language of identity, heritage, and intention.

My work is rooted in connection—between past and present, heart and hands. Whether I’m shaping metal or shaping narratives in my digital marketing career, I find myself drawn to the rhythm of creation. And often, that rhythm starts with a simple question I whisper to myself: Why not? The L. Louise Kollective is my answer to that question. It’s a space where culture meets craft, and where every earring, ring, brooch, or bold accessory is designed not just to decorate—but to amplify your look and express your essence. My first Kollective, ‘Let It Flow’, pays homage to the sacred cowrie shell—a symbol of intuition and the ocean’s life-giving flow. And there are more kollectives to come, each rooted in story, soul, and the celebration of self.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind every design. These pieces are more than jewelry—they’re legacy. Each one is a reflection of my journey, my heritage, and my hope that others feel celebrated and empowered in their own uniqueness. This brand honors not just my ancestors, but the fearless little girl inside me who always believed in the magic of creation.

Above all, I’m most proud of honoring my late parents’ blessing. Before their heavenly transition, I shared my earliest pieces with them. They looked at me, smiled, and said, “You should sell these, Les!” That moment of affirmation lit the fire—and I’ve been creating ever since. This isn’t just jewelry. It’s soul work. And I’m honored to share it with the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience, for me, revealed itself during one of the most emotionally complex seasons of my life. Within just six months, I endured the profound loss of three close loved ones—my father, my dog Butters, and then, my mother. Each transition carried its own weight, and together, they felt like a tidal wave I wasn’t sure I could withstand. Grief came in layers—sometimes heavy, sometimes quiet—but always present.

In the midst of that sorrow, I leaned deeply into the anchors that have always held me steady: God/my faith; the loving presence of my family, friends, and sorority sisters; and the quiet power of creativity. Art became my refuge. At my bench, I wasn’t just crafting jewelry—I was moving through my grief and the gratitude to shape something tangible. The process was more than therapeutic—it was sacred. A space to honor my emotions and reconnect with my inner world.

There’s something powerful about allowing pain to take shape as beauty. I wasn’t searching for closure, but rather, connection. Though my loved ones were no longer physically present, I still feel their spirits with me—in signs, in whispers and in quiet nudges. My work became a living dialogue with them, a way to keep their energy moving through me and into the world.

That continued spiritual connection reminded me that healing doesn’t have to be loud—it can unfold slowly, through grace, creativity, and quiet strength. Resilience, I’ve come to learn, isn’t just about withstanding the storm—it’s about softening within it, making space for growth, and letting love lead the way. The L. Louise Kollective was born from that space of softness and surrender. It’s a testament to the beauty that can rise from darkness—and the art of letting it flow.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

One of the most powerful ways society can support artists is through genuine engagement—pausing to reflect, respond, and offer feedback. That small moment of connection can go a long way. As creatives, we pour so much of ourselves into our work, and to know that it’s resonating, stirring thought, or simply being seen—it means everything.

Early on, I was creating art jewelry specifically with maximalists in mind—bold pieces that made a statement. But then a woman reached out and shared that she loved my work, yet she leaned toward a more minimalistic aesthetic. That simple exchange inspired me to expand my offerings and create pieces that allow for smaller pops of self-expression. And let’s not forget—men enjoy the little trinkets too! That insight reminded me just how expansive and inclusive creativity can be when we truly listen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.llouisekollective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llouisekollective/
• Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@llouisekollective
  Email – [email protected]

Image Credits

The L Louise Kollective