Celebrating Philadelphia's Own: Niki Leist, Jewelry Artist and Creator
At Moon+Arrow, we are thrilled to spotlight the remarkable work of Niki Leist, a Philadelphia-based jewelry artist whose journey from metalsmithing in high school to creating her own brand is nothing short of inspiring. Niki’s art is a testament to her dedication to craftsmanship, community, and her personal love for both the creative process and the powerful artistry of jewelry making. You can shop Niki's creations at Moon+Arrow in November! :)
Meet Niki
Niki Leist lives in the vibrant neighborhood of Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, with her husband, their lively three-year-old daughter, and their cat. With over a decade in Northwest Philly and roots that span from Central New Jersey to Arcadia University, Niki has found a creative haven in Philadelphia. When she’s not crafting jewelry or managing her business, you can find her exploring the city, often with her daughter in tow, enjoying Philly’s rich culinary scene.
A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Niki’s love for jewelry started in an unexpected place: her high school art class. An art teacher provided lapidary and jewelry-making tools, which became a foundation for her future. This early exposure evolved into a love for creating pieces that became personal expressions of art and beauty. After earning a BFA in painting at Arcadia University, where she continued to take jewelry-making classes, she spent more than a decade working in corporate project management. However, the birth of her daughter in 2022 sparked a pivotal change, leading her to follow her artistic passion full-time.
With the support of NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator and guidance from Temple’s Small Business Development Center, Niki launched her brand, “Niki Leist.” Today, her work can be found in boutiques nationwide, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and she has been honored as a Halstead Grant Finalist in 2024. Her commitment to the community shines through her donation of 5% of her website sales to local organizations, strengthening her impact in Philadelphia.
Inspired by Nature, Crafted by Hand
Niki’s jewelry is a journey in itself. Inspired by natural elements, she crafts her designs with flowing curves and textures reminiscent of sand dunes, water, and wind-sculpted landscapes. Her favorite techniques, like lost wax casting and keum-boo, bring intricate depth and movement to her pieces, creating an interplay of light and shadow that captivates the eye. Niki's recent designs, including the crest earrings, range earrings, and divide ring, showcase her ability to balance bold form with delicate detail, transforming raw materials into wearable expressions of art.
When it comes to gemstones, Niki gravitates toward stones with intense hues, deep color, and unique shapes. Whether it’s the classic elegance of sapphire or the stunning contrast of hematite, her work captures the richness of each stone’s natural beauty, making each piece both a timeless keepsake and a celebration of individuality.
The Maker’s Life in Philly
Philadelphia’s artistic community has been a source of both inspiration and camaraderie for Niki. Balancing time between her Mt. Airy home studio and the collaborative makerspace NextFab in North Philly, she finds invaluable support from mentors, fellow jewelers, and local artists. The Philadelphia maker scene is known for its openness and mutual encouragement, qualities that Niki deeply values. Her connections with NW Philly makers provide a network to share ideas, tips, and market insights, making her journey as a maker both fulfilling and sustainable.
Niki’s dedication to honing her craft has been bolstered by the mentorship and resources she’s found in Philly’s artistic community. She credits much of her growth and success to NextFab and the guidance of Temple’s SBDC, which helped her navigate the business side of the creative world, enabling her to bring her artistry to a broader audience.
Creating in Harmony: Music, Books, and Silence
Niki’s creative time is often accompanied by audiobooks, especially autobiographies and lighthearted rom-coms that keep her company as she works. Music also plays a role in her studio, though sometimes she cherishes the quiet—precious moments without background noise, made all the more special by the joyful chaos of life with a toddler.
Discovering Niki Leist
Niki Leist’s jewelry is a reflection of both her creative journey and the beauty she sees in the world around her. Her pieces are available at various boutiques, including our own Moon+Arrow, and through her website. Each piece tells a story, meant to accompany its wearer on their own life journey, marking special occasions or simply celebrating their unique style.
By purchasing her jewelry, you’re not only acquiring a beautifully crafted piece but also supporting a passionate artist who is dedicated to her craft, her community, and the creative spirit that drives her work. Shop Niki Leist in November at Moon+Arrow!