Meet Leilani Henry | Speaker, Author, Artist, & Leadership Consultant
We had the good fortune of connecting with Leilani Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Leilani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Running my own business provides the freedom and flexibility I need to thrive despite long hours and, at times, revenue uncertainty. As an entrepreneur, I reach a wider variety of people and organizations. I value bringing the joy of life into everything I do, no matter the circumstances. The accountability I find in being my own boss allows me to exhibit my messages in my day-to-day actions. It’s important to me to lead by example and to reach multi-generations and global audiences.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart professionally is my philosophy, which is infused in every aspect of my business. My job title is Chief of Joy & Excellence. It’s important to foster the human spirit as we accomplish our goals, which is why I create models and tools to outlast me. I’m passionate about helping people creatively overcome challenges and thrive while making a difference in the world. Being & Living Enterprises uses a whole-person approach; it’s about paying attention to our inner climate, so we can broadcast our most authentic selves. If we live from the inside out, we’ll be more satisfied with our contributions at the end of our lives. My goal is to embody my content—to create and model balance for self-actualization, productivity, performance, and the environment.
It hasn’t always been easy. During the 2008 economic downturn, I was laid off from a job I loved at a consulting firm. I couldn’t bear to look elsewhere, since this was my dream gig. Instead, I started working with my life partner making kaleidoscope object chambers, using my affinity for color design and working with my hands. From there, I took pictures of the interior images of the kaleidoscopes to make jewelry and then, a couple of years later, clothing. By the time the economy bounced back, I had new skills for a career in wearable art and Brain Jewells grew.
The downside of entrepreneurial endeavors is it can be tough to balance your energy. After years of giving all my energy to my business, I realized it’s important to nourish myself. I aim to find a balance between giving and receiving, between putting myself out there and having time to reflect. My reflection time has increased because I realized nurturing my inner life is as important as physical fitness, and both of those things take time to develop and sustain.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My partner and I live in the mountains, not too far from Evergreen, so we would spend much of the visit at home, enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
That said, when we do go out, for one day we would walk along the rushing river in Golden and dine at the Sherpa House for lunch and Abejas for dinner. If we could fit it in, we’d visit Windy Saddle for a snack.
Day Two in Denver, we would have breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. eatery, with a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens and Museum of Nature and Science. Then head to Cherry Creek to have an organic beverage at Clean Juice and a quick walk around the shopping area. Union Station is the next stop with a meal at Avelina’s. Before heading home, we’d check out the laser show at the International Church of Cannabis by 8 pm.
Day Three Denver itinerary are visits to the Black History Museum and Meow Wolf. Next on the list is relaxing at the 5 Star Salt Caves and dinner at Lucille’s. For dessert, we’d go to Mercury Cafe and enjoy some music or spoken word performances.
Back in the mountains on Day Four, a drive on Mt. Evans scenic byway ( soon to be Mt. Blue Sky) is a must see, with an early dinner at Willow Creek Restaurant, then attend a not to be missed concert at the amazing Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Of course, while relaxing near home, we squeeze in shopping local at Luna’s Mandala and Taspen’s Organics is on the list, with a lovely hike at Staunton Park and eating a catered meal at home from Conifer’s Castles and Kitchens.
One last day includes relaxing at Indian Springs Hot Springs, in Idaho Springs, with a meal at Thai 101 in Evergreen or Thai 202 in Conifer.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s hard to limit my shoutout to just one person or organization! I’m inspired daily by my life partner, Henry Bergeson. His constant invention and confidence in making art enables him to build beautiful, award-winning kaleidoscopes with ease and grace.
My parents provided an amazing foundation for my story. My mother was my Girl Scout leader and helped foster my entrepreneurial spirit. In 6th grade, my father enrolled me into a Toastmasters leadership program and inspired my passion for authentic communication. My upbringing created the tenants of my philosophy—authenticity, leadership, and collaboration. My experiences have taught me that we are always broadcasting who we are, even if we aren’t in touch with our most authentic self.
Website: brainjewells.com; thecallofant
Instagram: https://www.
Linkedin: https://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Facebook: https://www.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.
Other: https://open.spotify.
Image Credits
Carl Studna, Chris Draves, William Eager
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