We had the good fortune of connecting with Lea Mason and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lea, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was first introduced to party planning in college, when I served as the Novelties & Recreation Coordinator and Director for our Student Activities Board. Our biggest event of the year was the annual cotillion, which I loved decorating for. When I got my MBA in Healthcare Management, I decided to finally use my skills for my own benefit by decorating my Graduation Brunch Reception space. I couldn’t find table pieces already made with Ankara fabric, so I went to a local fabric shop in Decatur, GA that gets it fabric from Ghana – and decided to make my own centerpieces. After the event, I took the centerpieces and made them into personal art pieces for people I hold near to my heart. Those who received them ended up asking me to make additional personalized pieces, and that is how my business was born. It started as looking for something very specific and not finding it, making it myself, and then selling it! It’s been a beautiful journey ever since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is very personal – because the entire goal of this company is to give people the opportunity to remain inspired, throughout their entire life. Life can be hard, and it helps to have gentle, positive reminders of what helps keep them going. A lot of my art pieces are of scriptures and affirmations, because loving God and letting Him lead has been the center of this business. I have also enjoyed making logo art for other business owners, so they have an inspirational piece displayed in their home office, business space, or centered on a wall behind them when they take their business zoom meetings. I enjoy getting to know people’s story and hearing more about the phrases that bring them inspiration, so I can take those words and turn them into a beautiful reminder in the room of their choice. I’ve also enjoyed seeing people come to me to have pieces made as gifts for those they love. It has not been easy, because this is the job I have when I get off from my day job. I am a project manager by day and make art and write at night. I had to make a career decision that would be better for me in the long run (switching from being a sr. clinical operations manager to a sr. project manager, so the hours of operation needed for my day job wouldn’t negatively impact the time I get to now spend on my personal business). I want the world to know that words are powerful, and the atmosphere you surround yourself with is vital to your success as a person. You reflect what you constantly see, and if you surround your mind and self with positivity, you exude that onto the people you love and those you meet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone were to visit me, I would take them to Riverside Drive in Roswell, so we could walk along the River for a nice stroll – especially since the weather is so nice in Atlanta. If it were lunch time, we would then eat at Lola’s Burger & Tequila Bar or Thai House in Roswell. If they wanted to go shopping, see a movie, and get ice cream – I would take them to Avalon in Alpharetta, so we could eat at Rumi’s Kitchen or Superica, watch a movie at the Regal theater, and get ice cream from Jeni’s. If this was more of a relaxing day vibe, we would go to the Perimeter Mall area and get massages at Spa Sydell, eat at Politan Row – Ashford Lane, and get dessert from Paris Baguette. I like to cater my itinerary to the best friend I’m hanging out with, so it honestly depends on what kind of vibe they’re looking for – since Atlanta has so many hidden gems and places to enjoy being outside with the company of your friends, all while enjoying good food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to get my alma mater, Brenau University, and friends who purchased art from the beginning some love (Enoch McKie, Krystal Tucker, and Jessica McKenzie). My university gave me plenty of opportunities to be creative, and execute party planning with an amazing team. I had a small group of friends who helped me execute the centerpieces I had designed in my head, and ended up ordering art from me after they received their free piece!

Website: www.ladyleafaye.com

Instagram: @LadyLeaFaye and @LadyLeaFayeLLC

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lea-mason-mba-35a882116

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LadyLeaFayeLLC

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