Meet Leila Henry

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leila Henry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Leila , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Ya know, sometimes I wonder if I’ve actually found my purpose or if what I THINK is my purpose is simply a stepping stone on the path toward that purpose. What I DO know is this—Humans need connection. We need the ability to communicate and to feel like what we’re saying is being heard and felt. That said, I currently believe my purpose is to inspire and connect with people via art, specifically dance, film, and bold, handmade statement jewelry. I found this purpose through following my passion for storytelling via choreography and recognizing the powerful impact my work was having on the community around me. It’s a truly magical feeling. It’s a sacred gift that I never take for granted.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am an actor, choreographer and handmade earring designer. Currently, acting and earring design are my main focusses.

Being an artist is truly a gift. I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t use my artistic voice to its fullest potential. As a naturally shy, introverted person, art has always been my unique way to express myself. Don’t let my soft-spoken and quiet disposition fool you. I have always had a wild imagination and a LOT to say. I am forever thankful for having the performing and visual arts as my conduits for self-expression, communication and connection. It started with dance and choreography, then acting and now jewelry making.

Earring design is my newest creative outlet and it was a rare blessing to come out of the pandemic. I’ve always loved big statement earrings and I’ve also always loved doodling. I put the two together to create Ak’sent Mark, my handmade earring business. Each pair is made of light-weight wood that is hand painted with bold, colorful, often abstract designs. Anyone who knows me knows how much I am OBSESSED with all things ‘90s including ‘90s fashion, and my earrings are heavily influenced by the bold colors and shapes of ‘80s and ‘90s prints. The pieces are definitely conversation starters and have lead to some amazing opportunities to work with designers on TV shows like Grown-ish.

An ‘accent mark,’ by definition, is a mark that is “added to a letter or character to set them apart from others and give it a particular phonetic value.” In my own way, I am creating wearable “accent marks.” Like acting and dance, these earrings are a direct reflection of my wild imagination and my desire to take up space unapologetically. Ak’sent Mark is all about authenticity, being unapologetically bold, and being unafraid to express yourself. I always say, “To leave a mark is to leave an impression. Might as well make it bold.”

Ak’sent Mark earrings are available on Etsy and Instagram @aksentmark. I also make custom earrings. Custom inquiries can be sent via email to leila@aksentmark.com or you can send me a DM on Instagram.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The number one quality that has been the most impactful is staying true to myself, unapologetically. Knowing who I am and what I value has helped guide me through industries that would otherwise dictate who I am if I’m not careful. Knowing who am also allows me to create my art from an honest, authentic place.

Consistency is key. In order to keep the dream and momentum alive, I need to create regularly, or at least actively work towards my goals on a consistent basis. That being said, taking breaks to recharge along the way is also important.

Lastly, remembering to resist the urge to compare my journey to others has definitely helped me stay the course. My journey is unique to me and no one else’s, and everything happens when they are mean to happen. It’s truly about trusting the process.

My advice for people early in their journey is rooted in authenticity. Get clear about your core values and who you are. When you understand that, nothing and no one can steer you off course. Also, remember to trust yourself and your unique journey. Embrace and own your story.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I would absolutely love to continue to collaborate with a lot more designers and stylists in the near future! They can DM me on Instagram @aksentmark or send an email to leila@aksentmark.com.

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