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Meet Leïa Khalaf, the visionary founder and Creative Director of a jewellery brand that has captivated the global contemporary scene with its stunning blend of craftsmanship and creativity. From a law student in France to a trailblazing entrepreneur, Leïa’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and reinvention.
In 2013, Leïa launched her eponymous brand, and in 2021, despite the harsh socio-economic climate, she opened her flagship store in Beirut, a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to her vision. Through strategic collaborations and innovative collections, she successfully extended her brand’s reach beyond Lebanon’s borders, creating pieces known for their intricate craftsmanship, unique designs, and deep cultural resonance.
Today, Leïa’s brand continues to shine on the international stage, blending vibrant handmade designs with an uncompromising focus on quality. Her story is one of resilience, creativity and a relentless drive to bring her dream to life.
My current role is…
…Creative Director, where I oversee the curation of our stones and the creation of our collections.
When I was younger I wanted to be…
….exactly where I am today: balancing my career and family life while finding joy in both.
My favourite subject at school was…
My favourite subject at school was French literature. I have a passion for playing with words, writing, reading, inventing, and dreaming.
My first job was…
….was babysitting on weekends while pursuing my law studies in France.
My career path so far has been…
…a rollercoaster. Although my brand initially thrived in Lebanon, we encountered challenges such as the Lebanese economic collapse, COVID-19, and the Beirut Port Blast. It became difficult to sustain, which led me to move to Dubai, where I can dream big once again and work with peace and serenity.
The role the Middle East has played in my career is…
…unforgettable. We quickly built a loyal tribe of supporters.
I was inspired to become an entrepreneur and enter the fashion space because…
…of my passion for beads and all kinds of stones. Since I was 12, I’ve been a collector, spending countless hours creating handmade necklaces and bracelets.
My daily routine consists of…
I wake up every day at 6:40am, sending my boys to school, hitting the gym when motivated, and then heading straight to the office to tackle my daily tasks.
The story of Leïa K is…
…the story of someone with big dreams who left a secure career as a lawyer to embrace the entrepreneurial life and savour every moment. It’s a journey filled with colour, imagination, and joyful designs.
My role as Founder entails…
…navigating uncertainties, continually innovating, being avant-garde, and serving as a guardian to ensure our rights and copyrights are protected.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
…developing the brand across the globe through distributing to international stockists and resellers. Additionally, my ability to swiftly relocate the entire structure from Beirut to Dubai—including the company, banks, assets, production, and shipping—has been significant.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
…was keeping my brand going while going through an extremely challenging personal situation between 2016 and 2018.
A quote I live by is…
… “It is the detail that makes the difference.”
What I hope for 2025 is…
…the peace we are longing for and truly deserve in the Middle East.
