Meet Leanne Martin | Metalsmith / Jewelry Designer and Owner of Ludvik HandCrafted

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

Hi Leanne, what do you want people to remember about you?
As a small business I would want to be remembered by the fact that I was able to create some positive change in an industry that has historically had a bad reputation when it comes to its environmental footprint. I’d like to think that by creating sustainable eco-friendly jewelry and ceramics, while also giving back to and supporting other small businesses that have similar values, others will be inspired to make more environmentally friendly changes as well. I want people to see my brand and be inspired that they also can create and make a positive impact by being mindful of the materials that they use and products that they buy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My business, Ludvik HandCrafted, was launched in 2020 with a vision to create uniquely beautiful, sustainable jewelry and objects rooted in American crafts. Everything that I create is in some way inspired by the ocean and marine life. Growing up in San Diego and always being surrounded by the beach has had a huge impact on me and has crept into just about every facet of my life. As a maker one of my main goals is to spread awareness about our oceans and the impact that people have on them. I take pride in committing a percentage of my sales to non-profit organizations that hold the same values and beliefs that are so important to me: caring for the needs of our marine environment, conservation of our natural resources, and programs that empower and educate others on the preservation of our oceans.
In my work I also use recycled metals as much as possible and hand select each and every stone. From the metal and fabrication process to recycled packaging and ethically sourced gemstones, I am committed to reducing my environmental footprint while providing one-of-a-kind show stopping pieces. All of my one of a kind pieces and limited run collections are completely handcrafted start to finish by me!
Everything about being a small business owner is still a learning curve for me, but I think it’s really important to just take things one step at a time and to try not to get overwhelmed with the big picture. And one thing that I have learned in starting a business in the middle of this pandemic is a lot of patience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite things about living in San Diego is having such easy access to so many different beautiful beaches! La Jolla would be first on my list to check out, there are some nice food places to choose from including the Parakeet café which has great coffee and drinks as well as some good vegan food options, and a good brewery called bitter Brothers Brewing. In my opinion the best part about La Jolla is going to the shores for some awesome snorkeling with the leopard sharks, bat rays and garibaldi, as well as going kayaking through the sea caves by the cove. Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach would be another must see especially if you have a dog to bring along! Dog beach is great to let your pup run wild in the sand and waves, or I find walking the cliffs at sunset to be one of my favorite San Diego moments. In Ocean beach every Wednesday the main street is closed for the OB market where you can get great food and handmade crafts from local vendors. My favorite sandwich shop, Pomas, is also located in OB and they make the best eggplant sandwich! Some other great stops I would recommend would be stopping by Balboa Park and checking out the Mingei Museum, catching dinner and drinks at one of my favorite vegan restaurants, Kindred in North Park, and stopping by Cabrillo National Monument to check out the tide pools.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband definitely deserves a huge shout out for all of the love and support he has given me throughout this awesome and difficult journey. He is always there to tell me to keep going and has somehow always had complete faith that I would succeed, even when I was ready to give up he has always been there encouraging me to follow my dreams. I also want to say thanks to Channin Fulton, who is an amazing friend and exceptional artist who created all of my branding, something I never could have done myself.
And to my previous boss, Rebecca Norman, who taught me so much about the jewelry business, I will always appreciate the training and advice she gave me.
And to all my many other family, friends and teachers that have been so extremely supportive, I am so grateful to have so many amazing people in my life.

Website: https://ludvikhandcrafted.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludvikhandcrafted/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ludvikhandcrafted