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

Hi Leo, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Without question, a positive mindset was the most important change in my life to set the foundation for success. I highly recommend reading Napolean Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, which goes over the very basics and fundamentals of how one should think and approach business and life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my company, Leibal, over 10 years ago as a publication to categorize all of my personal favorite designs. Little did I think it would grow into the media company and furniture store it is today. I am most proud of the brands I represent, some of which having had their first exposure to the North American market through Leibal. The most exciting part of growing the business was traveling abroad to meet the owners of the brands in person. Some of these partnerships have turned into fulfilling friendships, and I couldn’t be more grateful of this side effect of business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
New York City: My absolute favorite spot is my best friend’s photo studio within the Starrett Lehigh building called Canoe Studios. Situated on the 14th floor, it is the only space within the building with a balcony, and the massive warehouse windows overlook the Hudson, perfect during sunset. For food, I would suggest Buddha Bodai in Chinatown for vegans / vegetarians, and Cote, a Korean steakhouse, for meat eaters. For drinks, I would suggest Raine’s Lawroom, a speakeasy in Chelsea, or the Conrad Hotel.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill My parents for their unwavering support. Steve Jobs Secrets of Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYfNvmF0Bqw&ab_channel=SiliconValleyHistoricalAssociation

Website: https://leibal.com/

Instagram: @leibal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leolei/

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.