Meet Leah Haney | Piñartist and owner of Break Free Piñatas

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

Hi Leah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up I was always making art – painting, drawing, pottery, origami, mixed media sculpture; anything creative. I dreamed of becoming a professional artist but followed the “practical” career path through college. After years behind a desk I felt pulled towards starting my own business, but I didn’t begin making piñatas with that intention. About 10 years ago I was throwing a party and wanted a pterodactyl piñata. I couldn’t find one anywhere, so I decided to make it. Many how-to video hours later I had a big, green, kind of awkward-looking pterodactyl piñata. I had a blast destroying it with my friends, and I really liked the challenge of creating it. The next thing I knew, friends were asking me to make them one, and it grew from there. I began studying professional piñata and paper artists to learn how to build more complex designs until I could make just about anything. Now, I have a workshop in Nederland, make piñatas full time, and share this joy through group classes and collaborative piñatas.

Piñatas also give me the chance to upcycle. With so much cardboard and paper going to waste it feels good to give them a second life. The “bones” are made from food boxes, toilet paper rolls, and old newspapers. I use few new materials, and most of my piñatas are fully compostable. Yep, I’m a (recycling) dumpster diver, and I ask strangers if I can repurpose their beautiful “trash”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, first, piñatas have been around for centuries. The papier-mâché piñata is believed to have originated in ancient China, but there are similar clay versions in early Aztec and Mayan rituals to honor gods or a bountiful growing season. The practice evolved as it spread throughout the world, eventually becoming a popular Catholic tradition in Mexico, which gave birth to the modern piñata. To honor these ancient roots, I like to incorporate things like fresh flowers, feathers, fabric, and confetti with dried flowers or plantable seeds. I feel fortunate to help bring these vessels of delight to my community. I think there’s a universally shared desire to celebrate by smashing something beautiful, and to ceremoniously mark our lives in this way.  My goal is to make the most beautiful, unique piñata you’ve ever seen. I love the ideas people come up with, and every new design is a challenge which keeps my job interesting. My favorite custom piñata so far was for a Bat Mitzvah. The young woman wanted a pig with a purple tutu, hair bow and yarmulke. Hearing her excitedly say “it’s exactly what I wanted!” was so rewarding. Every piñata takes hours to make, up to 15 hours for the most elaborate, depending on size, but the reactions are well worth it.

Animals have long been a tradition, and they are still my most popular request. Another idea that’s taken off for birthdays, weddings and even divorce parties are look-alike piñatas. I don’t create trademarked characters or political effigies; there’s so much opportunity for creativity, and making something special for the guest of honor. I can also make reusable piñatas, with a trap door in the bottom.

The pandemic definitely affected the party industry, but I try to focus on the positive. Since 2020 I’ve made car decorations, mini piñatas, logos, and yes, even a coronavirus. I get to create with my hands every day, and transform people of all ages into giddy little kids, scrambling for treats.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful to have endless support and encouragement from my friends, community and customers (so many people, you know who you are!). Special thanks to:

Tiffany Crowder at The Crowd Collective in Boulder – elevating artists in a million ways! – https://thecrowdboulder.com/

Sean Bryant with Four Eyes Designs – my amazing partner and marketing guy – https://www.foureyesdesigns.com/

Casey Pyle at CaseyMade – https://caseymade.com/

Mentors:
Julie Ray of Julie Ray Creative – https://julieraycreative.com/

Kate Becker of Kate’s Magik – https://www.katesmagik.com/

Jen Grant of A Ruby Moon – https://arubymoon.com/

Special thanks to my awesome former employer Creative Alignments (https://www.creativealignments.com/) for supporting me with a true work/life balance.

Website: https://www.breakfreepinatas.com/

Instagram: @breakfreepinatas

Other: leah@breakfreepinatas.com