Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie LeVasseur.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My husband is in the oil and gas industry which unfortunately leads to layoffs here and there. During one of those periods, I just decided to try and find any art-related side job I could. I began working with this great woman from Pennsylvania monogramming bags for her customers. Eventually, she started taking orders for her clients’ luxury bags so I learned what worked and what didn’t; how to prep certain materials, and how to make the paint actually last. Coming from a hyperrealistic oil painting background, I began to get bored of painting initials and stripes everyday so I decided after a couple of years, it was time to try something more artsy. I saved up and bought my first guinea pig bag and went to town. I posted my first bag two years ago on Instagram and the rest was history.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
So far, I’ve been extremely lucky. I think much of that comes from already having so much experience. Had I not had that job painting stripes and monograms, I would be way too intimidated to try my luck on someone’s $2000 bag.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Stephanie LeVasseur Luxury Leathergoods Artisan – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I paint custom luxury goods such handbags, wallets, etc. I have even painted custom-made Louis Vuitton chairs. My customers send me their goodies and I paint something special for them that makes their items one-of-a-kind pieces. I can paint anything imaginable but am mostly known for my realistic work, florals, pet portrait, and more. I try to stay pretty reasonably priced and charge by my time whether it’s on a fifty dollar off-brand bag or a twenty thousand dollar Hermes bag. There are many bag artisans who skip a lot of the prep work and just think just because they can paint, they can paint on a bag. It takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what works best to ensure the painting doesn’t just rub right off. Luckily I was able to get that experience before I started my own business.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For 2020, I would love to paint more original pieces made to sell. I absolutely love collaborating with my clients but sometimes my creative juices start flowing and I’d love to share them. I would also love to somehow set up some kind of silent auction type event to raise money for a charity. Thats always been my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: slevasseurart.com
- Phone: 832-264-4560
- Email: slevasseurart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @the_stza
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