Our Story

About me

Leeway was founded by me, Qingdi. I am a history graduate, and I have always had a deep passion for both the glamour of fashion and the rich narratives of history. Given that my family name is 'Li,' I embarked on my journey in jewellery making, naming it 'LEEWAY.'

The concept of Leeway began taking shape in my mind during the period of 2021-22 when the world experienced a collective pause and reflection. The dream of creating fashion pieces that had been on my mind for quite some time resurfaced. Prior to this, I had been primarily focused on building my property portfolio and had never envisioned pursuing my teenage dream of entering the fashion industry in my adult life. However, with a change in lifestyle brought about by a global crisis and the persistent inner voice urging me to follow my heart, I began researching the jewellery industry.

I started to draw inspiration from the history books I used to read and the museums I used to visit. I sought elements that could be incorporated into jewellery designs, creating pieces that could tell meaningful stories and empower individuals to follow their own passions. As I pursued this dream of mine, my vision for Leeway jewellery became increasingly clear: it is a jewellery brand that combines both style and substance.

Inspired by Real Historical Figures, a Fusion of Vintage and Modern Aesthetics  

My vision is to empower women by connecting them with real-life role models through their jewellery. To achieve this, I have created story collections that are connected to genuine historical figures. These figures come from diverse cultures and time periods, each possessing a unique life story. The intention is to enable us to embrace the enduring values found within these real-life narratives, drawing strength and inspiration to shape our own destinies.

By immersing ourselves in the lives of these historical characters and crafting jewellery pieces that pay homage to their stories, I strive to strike the perfect balance between the timeless charm of vintage design and the modern appeal of contemporary aesthetics in my jewellery creations. Each Leeway piece serves as daily accessories for modern women, infusing a touch of nostalgic charm and inspiration into their lives. 

Supporting the Skilled Artisan Community of Panyu District in China     

I witnessed the sheer delight on my mother's face when she gifted one of her beloved gemstone necklaces to my 5-year-old daughter during our visit in the summer of 2023. That moment not only filled me with joy but also reaffirmed my own choice when it comes to creating jewellery. I aspire for my customers to possess quality jewellery pieces that can be cherished and worn for many years to come to become heirlooms in their own right.

After an exhaustive two-year search, I have partnered with a small, hand-picked community of jewellery artisans in the Panyu District of Guangzhou City, South of China. They are well equipped to bring my creative visions to life, using traditional skills and the highest quality materials. I feel privileged to be working with these talented artisans and have immense pride seeing such beautiful pieces coming to life through their unwavering commitment and expert skills.

Every piece created will be supporting this community directly and rewarding their talents and expertise whilst preserving these ancient skills and traditions. I am proud and also feel obligated to find my place and contribute to this community in my home country.