Meet Angela Bulich | Owner, Leather Stone Metal

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

Hi Angela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting LSM, 7 years ago in a rural mountain town was freedom–Creative freedom, intellectual freedom, financial freedom. Essentially the creative allowance to be passionate and pursue what brings energy and joy! I want that for me, and I want that for every person– because I’ve seen that when we operate from a mental place of freedom, and abundance, we naturally become more accountable, gracious, and selfless with one another.

From a logistical standpoint, being a contemporary creative brand in a rural town was not exactly a demographic fit. In retrospect, This is where I really was motivated to harness photography, media, and marketing in a way that could attract the right virtual demographic, and thus bring on the freedom and self-reliance that comes with having a business. When I was finally able to debut my brand in south FL, I knew it was the right fit for my brand. Im grateful for the obstacles early on because it primed my branding and imaging from the jump.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There is no such thing as overnight success, manifesting a business and creative brand simply takes time. I still have a lot of work to do but in the winding road here–I received a bachelor’s degree in Biology, became a gallerist, art rep, even worked as a special education teacher. Through all these chapters, I always stayed true to being an artist. Now I can truly say I am a full time multi-disciplinary artist working in jewelry design, sculpture, and painting. I have an art-studio and jewelry show-room in Delray Beach, FL.

My art-practice with bent metal and stone evolved into an art focused jewelry line “Leather Stone Metal” aptly named for the strict set of materials used in my process. Each piece of jewelry is akin to a small sculpture with consideration for composition and construction. Deciding to turn one of my artistic passions into a business meant that there will be tension between art and “retail”.

One of my biggest challenges is the balance between making work that is innovative, pushes mainstream sensibilities–but still making work that maintains palatability for consumer sales. At the end of the day, I have to operate as a business but also stay true to the sculptural and experimental design work that led me here and sets my designs apart. The tension is healthy.

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?
One of the best things about Miami is obviously the art scene but more interesting–there are so many private collections that are open to public display. Many credit these collectors for positioning Miami as an art destination, way before Art-Basel. After a fun Miami Museum and gallery day, I would stop at “Robert is Here” for a smoothie and head down to the keys for a lobster sandwich at Hobo’s and an early Dive Trip! I love that Miami is so close to the Keys, it really feels like paradise here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner and photographer, Matt Banahan deserves a lot of credit and recognition in my story. Elaborating on the importance of fine photography and a brand image that speaks volumes and shows the essence of my jewelry work. In many ways I have him to thank for translating my work into a visual story that is recognizable and stands on it’s own. I also want to thank my brother who helped me invent some of my very first designs with his leftover trade materials and CNC lathing. And more recently, my studio mates at Arts Warehouse– Though everyone is on their own artistic journey, sharing studio spaces next to other artists is so valuable in the sense of community.

Website: leatherstonemetal.com

Instagram: LeatherStoneMetal