Business Spot light: crafted by leo.
When you meet Leo, the creative force behind Crafted by Leo, it’s clear that his journey into jewellery wasn’t a straight line, but perhaps that’s what makes it so inspiring. What began as a plan to become a diamond cutter in a local factory unexpectedly turned into a personal exploration of silver and design, and today, his jewellery is steadily gaining attention across Zimbabwe and beyond.
“I was supposed to be a diamond cutter,” Leo explains. “I was working at a factory, but then because the company moved to Dubai, I unfortunately never went along with them. I just ended up sitting around, not doing much.” It was during this period of uncertainty that Leo discovered his true passion. Inspired by the tools that his father had from his own days as a jeweller, Leo began experimenting with silver in his parents’ home. “I made a couple of bangles, just to see what would happen. And then I discovered that I really, really enjoyed making things out of silver.”
Encouraged by his parents, Leo took the leap to study jewellery design in London, learning both traditional techniques and CAD design. Returning to Zimbabwe with fresh skills and ideas, he started crafting his own collection in the spare bedroom of his parents’ home. From there, Crafted by Leo slowly found its audience, selling first at markets before gaining recognition online and in local magazines.
One of the most fascinating parts of Leo’s process is his use of intricate wax molds to design his jewellery. Each mold is hand-formed with incredible precision, it’s a process that requires patience, a steady hand, and years of practice. These molds act as the blueprint for each piece, capturing the fine textures and details that later come to life in silver. “It’s a difficult skill to master,” Leo admits. “You have to understand how the wax will react, how it will hold shape, and how the final cast will come out.” Watching him work, it’s clear that every curve and every texture is deliberate, which really is a testament to his deep respect for craftsmanship and detail.
Leo’s designs are deeply inspired by his surroundings. Nature, textures, and the Zimbabwean landscape often find their way into his work. “I don’t normally sketch my designs. Most of the time, I just have it in my head and then I start creating. I get inspired by things around me; trees, stones, animals, and even textures like bark,” he says. Some of his pieces, like the Sabi Stars, were directly inspired by moments during trips and the landscapes that he personally encountered.
Creativity runs in the family. Leo’s mother, a painter, and his father, a jeweller and sculptor, nurtured an environment where artistry and craft were valued. “My dad hand-carved all the skulls that you can see in the room now. That was during COVID; he found them, and just went for it with the jeweller’s tools he had.”
Silver became Leo’s medium of choice, not only for its beauty, but for its accessibility. “Compared to gold, it’s so much easier to work with, and it works well for my price point.”
For Leo, being a young Zimbabwean creative today is both a privilege and a responsibility. “Zimbabwe is such a creative place. There’s art everywhere, from sculptures to textures in nature. There’s so much energy around you to be inspired by. You can put your footprint out there if you want to.”
Looking ahead, Leo’s focus is on building a strong local brand while keeping an eye on international expansion. “We want to establish ourselves in Victoria Falls and other parts of Zimbabwe first, and then look at places like London and Australia. But the heart of what we do will always be rooted here.”
With a mixture of patience, creativity, and humble beginnings, Crafted by Leo is a story of persistence, inspiration, and celebrating the beauty of life around us in both in Zimbabwe and far beyond that.
If Leo’s journey spoke to you, explore the pieces that inspired it. Pop into his store to discover the collection and find your next signature piece. And make sure to follow him on Instagram: @craftedbyleo
