Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Leverich
Grace, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana, moved to Bloomington, IN in 2020 to attend Indiana University, then relocated to KCMO in late 2023.
I grew up with 2 sisters and 3 brothers and feel so blessed for this community! They are my lifelong role models. *photo in Atlanta, GA: left to right: Jared, Josh, Maddie, Kayla, and myself. August 2023* I love spending time and making memories with my family! *2 photos: first of my dad, youngest brother John and I at a Royals game, July 2024, second of my brother Josh, sister Kayla, and I at Working Class Tattoo in Westport after getting matching tattoos!*
I value fitness and view health holistically. I believe mental, physical, and spiritual health interconnect and determine health. I love yoga and advocate for its benefits. The practice of yoga helps me feel at peace and serves as an irreplaceable form of therapy. I also love to journal!
My sister (and best friend) Kayla *photo of her and I. September 2024.* introduced me to the joy of strength training, which I loved and followed her bodybuilding plan for almost a year. But recently I felt a need to spend more time in my yoga practice, so I’m practicing yoga and calisthenics more than weight lifting for the time being.
During my 2nd year of college, I started making jewelry and launched my business – High Vibe Jewelry – in 2022 with 3 wire-wrapped crystal ring designs, supplying all rocks and metals from local / small businesses. Since then, the product line has expanded to include various innovative accessories, such as crystal chain rings, hair ties, stud earrings *picture from Moonstones Rock Shop in Bloomington, IN, June 2023*, and more.
High Vibe Jewelry maintains a website (highvibeboutique.shop), and attends local pop-up events, updated on Instagram (@highvibejewelry222). I’m excitedly preparing for my next event on November 24 at Made in KC on the Plaza! *2 photos: first booth picture of myself, May 2023, second of my youngest brother John and I in August 2023.*
Back to college – (side note: I believe experience outweighs structured education) I was blessed to graduate in 3 years with a BA in journalism with a concentration in public relations and strategic communication from Indiana University Bloomington. I spent the year after graduation waitressing and working at a rock shop to fund 11 pop-up shops. Although I loved being able to create, I found myself working 60+ hour work weeks and barely making a liveable wage, so I knew something needed to change. I ended a long-term relationship and demanded better for myself. My sister encouraged me to move to KC and welcomed me to live with her until I got back up on my feet. I changed my environment to change my life!
Within a couple of weeks after moving here, I started working at Chiefs Fit Plaza in sales and was immediately surrounded by an amazing community. So many friendships were made there! That position led to my current jobs as the director of operations at Salon Ramón in Brookside and as a remote resume specialist for Right Management. Both roles keep me happily busy, but I am finding balance to practice yoga, write, stay healthy, and make jewelry. (another side note: if you’re looking for a local salon that offers great services, check out Salon Ramón for hair / skin care and makeup! (My role here is marketing / PR; it would be a shame if I didn’t promote this place of peace!)
I have a passion and respect for everything art. My vision to strengthen my brand includes reflecting my values through connection. I want to partner with several local artists to expand High Vibe into a storefront and eventually evolve into a sanctuary where anyone is welcome to connect, meditate, and elevate. My brand will promote love and joy!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like everyone, I’ve experienced ups and downs, but I’m grateful for an outstanding experience. I’ve learned to love unconditionally because everyone’s definition of love varies. Growing up, I struggled with my faith. I went to a private Lutheran school 1st-8th grade and was disengaged and emotionally detached from faith and my relationship with God. When I went to college, I needed to feel more connected with the collective. I began to see God as an energy – pure positivity – and improved my ability to have faith and feel more connected. Now I view God as love; purity; joy; unconditional kindness; etc. (everything positive.) In my experience, I think religion overcomplicated integrity, which prevented my ability to have strong faith.
I also struggled a bit when I first moved to KC. I felt so scared and lost, but those feelings were alleviated after I met so many wonderful people. I love how so many people are community-oriented. It makes strangers feel like they belong!
I’m currently struggling with articulating and executing my brand growth. As a sole proprietor, it’s difficult to know which step to take first. Regardless of the struggle, I am excited to experience this development!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I support my start-up, High Vibe Jewelry, with 2 jobs (Director of Operations at Salon Ramón and Resume Specialist at Right Management)
I started High Vibe Jewelry in 2022 and design and hand-make accessories with wire, crystals, and minerals. My main products are rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and keychains, occasionally featuring pieces like hair ties or anklets. All rocks and metals are supplied from small businesses on Etsy or trade event shows from Indiana last year. Each crystal / mineral has different metaphysical properties!
I work part-time at Salon Ramón in Brookside marketing and public relations planning. I love this team and find the environment to provide a peaceful sense of community!
I also edit resumes for Right Management and love the process of helping people find their passions and secure the career they want.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Discipline, empathy, adaptability, and integrity are most important to my success. Passion and positivity develop my definition of success, which is constantly evolving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highvibeboutique.shop/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvibejewelry222/
