Today we’d like to introduce you to Byron & Meghan Leisek.
Hi Byron & Meghan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story is one of two different paths converging, shaped by a shared desire to live and create with more meaning. We come from different backgrounds: Meghan from the world of ER nursing, and Byron from years of creative entrepreneurship. Though our experiences were different, we both felt the same pull: to build something tangible, grounded in beauty, creative expression, and authenticity.
What started as quiet conversations about life and purpose slowly took root. We dreamed of a space that could reflect our creative spirits — a place where people could step in and feel an immediate sense of connection to art, to the magic of the Southwest, to creative expression, and maybe even to themselves.
Over time, we shaped that vision into what our shop has become today. Every piece we select or create carries a sense of intentionality. Our space is a reflection of our shared love for the natural world, for thoughtful design, and for the quiet power of creativity. Together, we’ve built not just a business, but a life woven with creativity and collaboration.
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?
Building something from the ground up is never without its challenges. In the beginning, the biggest hurdle was trusting our vision before we could fully see it ourselves. We stepped away from familiar paths, sold our home in northwest Montana, and walked away from stable careers to create something that didn’t yet exist. That leap came with inevitable uncertainty.
There are also the practical challenges of running a small business — learning to balance creativity with operations, and maintaining our energy while wearing many hats. Like so many small businesses, we’ve faced the unpredictable rhythms of entrepreneurship and the pressures of sustaining both the creative and logistical sides of our work.
We strive to stay connected to the heart of why we began. In busy seasons, it’s easy to get swept up in the long days, tasks, and to-do lists. We do a good job of taking turns reminding one another to slow down and remain grounded in our intention — to continue creating from a place of authenticity and to let the business reflect our vision.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the heart of our work is a shared love for creativity and expression, deeply inspired by the spirit of the Southwest and the journey of life. Our space in Kanab is more than a shop — it feels like an extension of our travels, our experiences, and our vision for what a meaningful and creative life can look like.
Visual art is the soul of the space. Much of what fills the shop is original artwork: drawings, paintings, and pieces that explore symbolism, spirituality, and personal growth. We’re drawn to the way art can give form to what we feel but cannot always speak. Through line, texture, and color, we explore the unseen layers of life, weaving reflections of the natural world with the internal landscapes of the soul. Pottery and music also find their way into our creative flow, adding dimension and rhythm to the space.
Curation and design are at the heart of how we shape the shop. We tend to the details that make it feel alive — every piece chosen, every display arranged, to create an environment where people can slow down and feel an intimate connection to the art and to themselves. Byron’s adventurous and intuitive spirit brings a sculptural dimension to our shared vision, through glassblowing and the intricate design of handmade kaleidoscopes. His eye for the physical flow of the space guides how the environment takes shape around the work.
Our shared love of music is also quietly woven into the space. While our schedules don’t always allow for it, we’ve loved hosting occasional sound baths, and we continue to enjoy offering simple instruments in the shop — rattles, chimes, and Native American flutes — as a way of inviting sound into the creative atmosphere and adding to the sensory experience of the space.
What we’ve built is truly a collaboration of our strengths and visions, ebbing and flowing as we grow. We’ve also been honored to share the work of a few local artists whose pieces resonate with the same earthy, soulful energy that we cherish. In every way, our space is a living reflection of our journey: an invitation to slow down, to connect through art, and to feel the quiet magic of self-expression.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
We believe people are craving spaces and experiences that feel unique, personal and rooted in authenticity. In a time when so much feels fast and mass-produced, there’s a growing appreciation for meaningful design and for the stories behind each piece.
While retail as an industry is shifting rapidly, there’s a deeper hunger for connection — not just to products, but to the makers, to the natural world, to experiences, and to a slower, more intentional way of living. We’re optimistic about the future, especially for small businesses that choose to lead with heart and integrity.
The landscape may change, but the human desire for connecting through creative, expressive beauty and meaning, feels timeless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lotuskanab.com
- Instagram: @lotuskanab
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lotuskanab
