Niki Leist's journey into the world of jewelry began in high school, where she was first exposed to the basics of metalsmithing. Although she went to university to study Art and more specifically painting, she kept returning to her love of jewelry and handwork. After spending over a decade in corporate project management and customer service, a significant life event—the birth of her child—prompted Niki to pursue a career that brought her joy and pride.

In 2022, Niki was awarded a spot in NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator, an eight-week program focused on business strategy. Through this program, and with help from her local Small Business Development Center, she created Niki Leist, the jewelry brand. She was honored with Pennsylvania’s Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Grant in 2023 and was selected as a Halstead Grant Finalist in 2024. Niki lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.  You can find her jewelry in boutiques and shops across the country including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and work with her directly to create custom jewelry.  5% of her website sales are donated to local organizations working to support her local community.

Connect with Niki via Instagram or Facebook to follow her creative journey.

Art and justice do not exist in separate vacuums; I hope that my work is a declaration of my creative imagination, and can also be a part of the continual, human work of reciprocity and justice.

Owning a business is an incredible amount of hard work, and I know that I am privileged to be here. I’m thankful to live and learn in a diverse community of people and businesses, and I am committed to equality, justice, and freedom. 5% of all online sales are donated to organizations fighting for these principles. Past organizations include ACLU Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Bail Fund, Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project, Share Food Program, and others. It is my promise to continuously evaluate the ways in which my business can contribute to my community, and as it grows, I am open to feedback and input from my clientele to hold me accountable to this promise.

If you have a wholesale or consignment inquiry please contact info@nikileist.com. We'd love to speak with you!