Margo chats with world traveler and natural connector, Kimber Leblicq who brings her experience as an artist, metalsmith, jewelry designer, curator, and entrepreneur together with her passion for people and the natural world. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Arizona University, she launched her art career as a professional union scenic artist in the entertainment industry. After a decade of painting and sculpting large-scale film, television, and theatre sets, she transitioned her focus to supporting the arts through nonprofit management and fundraising. As an executive leader in the nonprofit sector, Kimber has worked for many well-respected national and international arts and environmental organizations, which include Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Audubon, American Institute of Architects, and currently World Animal Protection.
Kimber is also the founder of a female-forward jewelry social enterprise, kimber elements. Using traditional colors, textures, and patterns, kimber elements amplifies the voice and visibility of indigenous women in geographic locations where wildlife is most at risk. She currently co-designs and collaborates with 30 Maasai women in rural Kenya who create unique modern jewelry that celebrates traditional craft and promotes wildlife conservation.
Margo and Kimber discuss:
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How her business and creativity has evolved 10 fold over the years
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The transitioning process into a social/do good business
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Communicating impact, power dynamics, and recognizing privilege
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Working with global artisans
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How she found mentorship, business support and resources when opportunities arose
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Rebuilding and engineering her business model
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The importance of wildlife conservation and animal protection
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How kimber elements integrated a scholarship program into the business model
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How she hopes to work with more global artisans in the future
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Slow fashion versus fast fashion
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And much more
Mentioned in this episode:
Business Impact Northwest, Women’s Business Center
Connect with Kimber:
