Leah Yard Designs: Carrying the Light Through Jewellery, Purpose and Founder Resilience

Some entrepreneurs begin with a business plan. Others begin with a story.

For Leah Yard, founder and designer behind Leah Yard Designs, creativity was shaped long before she entered the fashion industry.

Her journey is far from the traditional path often associated with luxury and design. From spending part of her childhood living on isolated lighthouse islands, where food, mail, and supplies arrived by helicopter, to navigating years of uncertainty before finding her place as an entrepreneur, Leah’s story is one of resilience, imagination, and transformation.

Today, Leah Yard Designs has become a demi-fine jewellery brand built around a simple belief: everyday moments deserve beauty, meaning, and personal expression. Designed in Vancouver, Canada, each collection reflects Leah’s commitment to creating timeless pieces that are not only beautiful but intentional — jewellery designed to be worn, layered, loved, and carried through different seasons of life.

But behind every piece is a deeper philosophy.

Leah’s unusual childhood experience taught her to see possibility where others might see limitations. Without the conveniences of a typical childhood, she developed creativity through imagination, craftsmanship, and the ability to create with what was available. Those early experiences continue to influence the way she designs today creating versatile pieces that encourage individuality rather than following fleeting trends.

Beyond jewellery, Leah has also built a platform around honesty and connection. Through her podcast Voted Least Likely, she shares the realities of entrepreneurship and challenges the polished version of success often presented online, creating space for founders and creatives to feel less alone.

Her latest collection continues that personal storytelling journey. Inspired by her lighthouse island memories, the collection explores themes of hope, resilience, and optimism — with the Beacon necklace serving as a symbol of light and a reminder to “carry the light” through every season.

In this exclusive conversation with IKONIK Magazine, Leah shares the story behind her latest collection, the lessons entrepreneurship has taught her, and why the most meaningful brands are built not only on products but on purpose.

Your latest collection draws inspiration from your childhood experience living on a lighthouse island. Can you tell us how that shaped this collection?

This season, I really went back to my roots and the inspiration of when I was a child living on an isolated lighthouse island.

It was such a unique experience because food, mail, and supplies would arrive once a month by helicopter. Living in that environment really shaped who I am as a person and influenced how I design.

I naturally look at everything through a practical lens. I love creating pieces that are adjustable, convertible, versatile, and designed to be worn in different ways.

For this collection, I wanted to create something that reflected hope and light. The last few years have been challenging for so many people, and I wanted this collection to feel like a beacon , something bright, positive, and hopeful that people could carry with them throughout their day.

The lighthouse became the perfect symbol because it represents guidance, hope, and finding light even during darker moments.

Your approach feels very intentional. How would you describe your design philosophy?

I put a lot of thought into everything I design, and I am always trying to build on the previous collection.

I don’t see myself as a trendy designer. I’m much more focused on creating timeless pieces and building something that lasts.

Each collection is designed to work with what people already own. When someone adds a new piece, I want it to naturally fit into their wardrobe and become something they can enjoy for years.

I’m always thinking about longevity. I want every piece to have a purpose beyond just the moment.

For someone discovering Leah Yard Designs for the first time, what do you want them to understand about the brand?

The main thing I want people to understand is that my jewellery is designed to work for them.

There is a lot of jewellery out there that can feel overwhelming or like it is wearing you instead of you wearing it. I want my pieces to make someone feel like themselves, but elevated.

When I put on my jewellery in the morning, I feel like it gives me that extra bit of confidence and sparkle I need for the day. That is the feeling I want people to experience.

Every interaction someone has with my brand from the designs to the content we create should feel positive, uplifting, and joyful.

I want Leah Yard Designs to be a beacon of light for people.

Can you walk us through some of the pieces from this collection and the inspiration behind them?

This collection really began with my childhood memories.

Growing up on the lighthouse island influenced my creativity, my ability to work with my hands, and the way I think outside the box.

You’ll see that reflected in some of the materials and textures. Some of the bead pieces are inspired by tumbled sea glass, bringing in the colours and feeling of island life.

I also explored mixed textures because jewellery and fashion are becoming more about personal expression. There are fewer rules now, and I love that.

Jewellery should feel playful. It should feel like dressing up and expressing yourself.

This season, I wanted to introduce more unexpected textures like leather and beads to create more depth and allow people to layer and style pieces in their own way.

The Beacon necklace feels like the hero piece of this collection. What is the story behind it?

The Beacon necklace is the piece that started the whole collection.

It represents the lighthouse and the light it provides. The idea behind it is that we all need reminders of hope and optimism throughout our day.

On the reverse side of the pendant are the words “Carry the Light.”

That message is important because it is a reminder that even when things feel difficult, we can still choose to look for moments of hope and positivity.

Why did you choose the words “Carry the Light”?

I wanted something simple a small daily reminder that people could carry with them.

Throughout the day, no matter what happens, you can check in with yourself and remember to look for the good in the situation.

There is always light in the darkness, and I wanted this necklace to represent that.

There are many jewellery brands today. What makes a piece meaningful enough that someone wants to keep it or gift it for years?

For me, it comes down to practicality and emotional connection.

A meaningful piece should be something someone actually wants to wear. It should work with their lifestyle and wardrobe.

That is why I think about things like versatility, comfort, and adjustability when designing.

I never want someone to feel like they are wearing something uncomfortable or something that does not feel like them.

The best jewellery feels seamless — like it naturally becomes part of who you are.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited to build with Leah Yard Designs?

The thing I always come back to is community.

I love designing jewellery and launching new collections, but bringing people together is what excites me the most.

Because I grew up in such an isolated environment, I think I have a deep appreciation for connection.

I want to create more opportunities for people to come together, celebrate small moments, and feel inspired by each other.

The goal is to keep designing with intention while creating stronger connections around the brand.

How has your community responded to the brand?

Honestly, building my community is one of the things I am most proud of.

I have the most amazing customers and supporters who are always cheering me on.

I feel incredibly lucky because the people who connect with the brand are not just buying jewellery , they are becoming part of the story.

One thing that stands out about your brand is your willingness to share the reality behind entrepreneurship — both the wins and the challenges. Why is vulnerability important to you?

When I started my brand, I honestly thought something was wrong with me because it felt so difficult.

I looked around and thought everyone else had everything figured out, but eventually I realised that was not the reality. People just don’t always share the difficult parts.

I started sharing because it was what I needed when I was beginning.

I didn’t want other entrepreneurs or customers to feel alone. I wanted people to know that building something is hard for everyone.

People don’t just want the perfect story. They want to understand who is behind the brand, what the journey looks like, and the person they are supporting.

That honesty creates connection.

What advice would you give other entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty and challenges?

I think everyone struggles with something.

The things that feel difficult for you are difficult for many other people too. Entrepreneurship is challenging, and there is a reason not everyone chooses this path.

Things often take longer than you expect. There is rejection, failure, and uncertainty, but that is part of the process.

You are not doing it wrong that is how you learn.

You just have to keep going.

What has building this brand taught you about yourself as a founder?

Entrepreneurship is personal development one-on-one.

Every week I discover something new that I don’t know, and while that can be challenging, it has taught me that I can adapt and grow.

Before starting my brand, I had a fixed mindset. I didn’t think I could learn certain things or become better.

Building Leah Yard Designs changed that.

It taught me that people can evolve, change, and become completely different versions of themselves.

What else can we expect from Leah Yard Designs this season?

I’m also working on a skincare launch planned for September, which I think will be really exciting.

Leah Yard Designs is not simply a jewellery brand. It is a reminder that the most powerful brands are often built from personal experiences, meaningful stories, and a commitment to creating something that connects with people.

From a childhood shaped by a lighthouse island to a brand built around hope and community, Leah’s journey reflects an important founder truth:

The strongest brands do not just sell products , they carry stories.