Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leah Slava. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Leah with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Honestly, I’d say it’s definitely from my dad. He’s the one who taught me from a young age that I should always give my best, no matter what I’m doing—whether it’s something big or small. I didn’t fully understand it back then, but looking back, it really stuck with me. In school, I started to push myself to make my projects stand out, and that mindset carried over into university.
Studying visual communication in college was definitely more challenging, but I kept pushing myself to give my best, no matter the obstacles. When I graduated and made the decision to open my own studio at 23, I told myself that if I wanted to stand out in an environment where there were people with much more experience than me, I had to push myself even harder.
It’s been a rewarding journey so far, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Slav Studio, we specialize in creating immersive, handcrafted experiences that engage all the senses.This project started on instagram in 2018 because of my desire to share my work with the world and move beyond the digital realm. During my final year in school I began experimenting with different materials and felt the urge to explore beyond digital mediums. That’s when my love for papercraft was born. The tactile nature of working with paper brought a new dimension to my designs, and I dove deeper into it while continuing my studies at Parsons School of Design in New York. There, I polished my skills in bookbinding, packaging design, screen printing, and letterpress, all of which enriched my approach to detail and craftsmanship.
In 2019, I returned to the Dominican Republic, excited but uncertain about how to apply what I’d learned. I continued creating 3D paper pieces and focusing on personal projects to showcase my skills. A few months later, I received my first commercial project: a hummingbird-shaped piñata for the film “Jupía”. That project marked the beginning of Slav Studio in 2020, a space where we now bring our vision to life.
Our mission at the studio is to create pieces and experiences that invite people to engage with our work more deeply, beyond just what they see. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information, we often forget to pause and appreciate the beauty around us. That’s why we focus on handcrafted creations, paying close attention to detail and infusing each project with its own unique personality. Whether it’s a custom paper sculpture or a carefully crafted set piece, our goal is to evoke a sensory experience that connects with the audience on a deeper level.
One of the most exciting parts of my work is seeing people’s reactions when they experience the pieces we create. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching someone connect with a project on a deeper level, whether it’s through the tactile nature of the materials or the story behind the design. That emotional response—seeing something click in a person’s mind or sparking their imagination—is one of the things that keeps me motivated and passionate about what we do.
This year, we took an exciting step forward by hosting our first workshop, which was an amazing experience for everyone involved. We’re thrilled to announce that next year will be filled with even more workshops, where we’ll share our craft, techniques, and creative process with others. It’s something we’re incredibly passionate about, and we can’t wait to connect with more people who share that same love for creativity and hands-on work.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to explore new collaborations and expand the impact of our work. Stay tuned for new projects and upcoming events, where we’ll showcase some of the exciting developments from the studio.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I feel that the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been patience, creativity, and resilience, and here’s why:
Patience has been key throughout my work, especially in hands-on practice like papercraft. The process can be slow and meticulous, and there were countless times when I had to redo things simply because they didn’t meet my standards or the dimensions weren’t right. Developing patience allowed me to embrace the process rather than rush toward the result, which ultimately led to higher-quality work.
Creativity is everything. From the moment I discovered papercraft, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Creativity has been my driving force, pushing me to explore new materials, experiment with different techniques, and constantly evolve as an artist. At Slav Studio, we encourage experimentation with materials, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re constantly finding new ways to tell stories or evoke emotions through tactile, sensory experiences. That freedom to explore and create is what makes each project feel fresh and exciting.
Resilience is something I’ve come to rely on over the years, especially in the early days of Slav Studio. After returning to the Dominican Republic in 2019, there were so many unknowns. Starting a studio from scratch, finding clients, and figuring out how to make a living from something so niche was challenging. But resilience kept me moving forward. I remember my first commercial project—creating the hummingbird piñata for the film “Jupía”. It was a huge leap forward, but it didn’t come without its obstacles. Each challenge has taught me how to stay adaptable, and keep going, even when things don’t go according to plan. Resilience means finding the strength to bounce back, take risks, and continue growing, no matter what obstacles arise.
My advice to anyone just starting their creative journey is to always focus on doing what makes them happy. Everything we create starts from a place of passion and personal enjoyment. That drive has led to exciting projects and opportunities. When you focus on what excites you, it’s easier to stay motivated, and that energy will help you push through. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and trust that if you follow what you love, the path will reveal itself in ways you didn’t expect. And remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.
How would you describe your ideal client?
An ideal client for us is someone who not only appreciates but also understands the process behind creating a unique, handcrafted piece. We take great pride in our work, and each project involves a careful, intentional process that requires time and attention to detail. Sometimes, we find ourselves needing to explain why certain deadlines can’t be met as quickly as initially proposed. While we wish we could speed up every step, there are aspects of the process—like precision cutting or intricate assembly—that take a certain amount of time to do properly. For example, while a machine might cut a piece in five minutes, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about the machine’s speed; it’s about ensuring the results are perfect.
Our ideal client understands that craftsmanship takes time and that quality is a result of careful, thoughtful work. We greatly appreciate clients who are open to this dialogue and who trust the process, knowing that the end result will reflect that time and dedication. Communication is key, and we value those who are patient and collaborative, allowing us to do what we do best—create something truly special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slavstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slav.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slav.paper
- Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/slavstudio
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@slavstudiord
Image Credits
Studio Picture: José Rozón
@joserozon
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
