Denton County Magazine • May June 23 • Women-Powered Businesses

Jewelry designer Leah Johnson crafts pieces for women who refuse to be invisible. As owner and founder of LJ Artisan Designs in Argyle, Johnson launched her business being mindful of the many women who share the feeling of sometimes going unnoticed.

“Women do so much to care for others that we tend to put ourselves in the background. Sometimes we start to feel invisible,” Johnson said. “Just putting on a piece of jewelry can make a woman feel special, even if she only wears it around the house.”

Johnson speaks from experience. When her career path was redirected from a speech-language pathologist to stay-at-home mom to four young children, it was important to Johnson that she still feel like a woman with style. “I was happy caring for my family, but I also needed something just for me that would fulfill my creative side,” she said.

Beginning at square one learning beadwork from YouTube, then enrolling in metalsmithing classes, Johnson started designing and hand crafting jewelry. In 2014 this new career door opened.

LJ Artisan Designs creates unique, quality artisan jewelry that Johnson hopes will remind wearers that they are still vibrant. “As a designer, I want to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s in fashion, but I make classic pieces that are timeless,” Johnson said.

Combining all her artistry, metalsmithing and beading talents, Johnson creates every piece herself. She works primarily with solid gold, gold-filled, sterling silver and gemstone materials, integrating textures found in and inspired by nature. Pricing starts at $46, depending on factors such as gemstone value and precious metal used.

Requests for custom-designed jewelry are welcome. Johnson meets with the client to develop a one-of-akind piece.

“These days, especially since COVID, people are looking for meaningful experiences and quality time spent together,” Johnson said. She hosts private in-studio events for groups of women to get together over wine and hors d’oeuvres while watching Johnson craft a piece of jewelry they may purchase at a discount. LJ Style Rewards is another incentive for shoppers to earn redeemable points and rewards for their purchases.

These days, Johnson concentrates on producing just 12 to 15 one-of-a-kind or limited quantity pieces each month. Signing up to become an LJ Insider gives shoppers early access to new creations via a secret link.

Johnson donates 10% of every sale to local nonprofit organizations, considering it a tithe for her business. “My family and I live in the most generous county we’ve ever known, and I’m thrilled to give back to this community.”