Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanne Kampfe
Hi Leanne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been passionate about beauty and fashion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I considered becoming a cosmetologist for at least a few years! Ultimately, my creative drive led me to a career in music education, where I’ve spent the bulk of my professional life—from teaching to district administration. About seven years ago, a friend introduced me to LipSense. I loved the product and saw how she modeled the potential of social selling, which inspired me to give it a try as a side hustle. Over the years, the popularity of the product has had its ups and downs, but my love for SeneGence products has remained constant. I use them daily and continue to stay active as a distributor because I genuinely believe in them.
Fast forward to about a year ago, when I first noticed the permanent jewelry trend popping up on social media. I was intrigued but didn’t dive in until the summer of 2024, when I decided to get a piece for myself. I was specifically drawn to the idea of a permanent bangle, which turned out to be surprisingly hard to find. After some searching, I finally located an artist who offered bangles and had one put on in August. I was hooked! Not long after, a good friend invited me to a permanent jewelry party, which got me thinking about what this could look like as a business. Around that time, I found myself on several solo road trips throughout the Midwest, giving me plenty of time to dive into podcasts about permanent jewelry. The more I learned, the more excited I became. I started researching the startup costs and training requirements, and the seed of a new line for my business, All That Glitters, began to take root.
I officially launched on November 30, 2024, at a holiday market hosted by Ambit Media at Buch Fermentary. It was an incredible experience to see so many small businesses in one space and feel the sense of community they’ve built. In December, I focused on refining my skills by offering jewelry to family and friends at a discounted rate. My official public launch is set for January 3, 2025, with a pop-up event at Fat Pants Brewing Company in Eden Prairie. I’m also planning a Galentine’s Grand Opening event at my home on February 15, and I have several pop-ups and craft fairs lined up over the next six months.
This new creative avenue has been such a joy to explore! As I look to the future—especially at 51, with retirement on the horizon—I’m excited about the possibility of building something I could pursue part- or full-time. It’s a refreshing shift from my current role in district administration and a chance to challenge myself in new ways.
Starting out in entrepreneurship through multi-level marketing has been invaluable. It gave me a foundational understanding of key business components and built my confidence to branch out into an independent venture. I’m learning something new every day, and this journey has reignited my drive to create something truly amazing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know how anyone could start something new without encountering some struggles! As an educator at heart, I’ve spent my career helping students and teachers understand the invaluable lessons that come from taking risks and learning from mistakes. Starting my business ventures has been no different—it’s been a journey of trial, error, and growth.
Early in my SeneGence journey, I faced some challenges that taught me valuable lessons. At that time, the company didn’t have a customer-facing website where people could place orders directly. Instead, all products were purchased through distributors, which required holding some level of inventory. The company was growing exponentially, and product shortages were common, so distributors often purchased large quantities of new LipSense colors whenever they became available. Sometimes this strategy worked, and I sold out quickly, but other times, I was left with unsold inventory. Thankfully, SeneGence has since implemented a fantastic customer-facing website, eliminating the need to carry stock. Now, I simply take pre-orders or direct customers to the website, which has been a much more efficient and sustainable approach.
When I began planning for my permanent jewelry line, I was very mindful of the risks associated with carrying inventory. The training kit I purchased included some fun chain options, but I wanted to make thoughtful decisions about expanding my offerings. I joined several permanent jewelry Facebook groups and found an excellent resource in the Permanent Jewelry Newbies group, run by industry leader Lyndi Love-Haning. She recommended starting with a small selection of proven popular chains, which became my first step. I’ve also added a few unique enamel chains with low wholesale price points to test out.
Throughout this process, I’ve relied heavily on podcasts—not only about permanent jewelry but also on marketing and boutique strategies. These resources have helped me understand the importance of tracking what sells and developing strategies for handling inventory that doesn’t move as quickly as anticipated.
While I have a bit of a built-in customer base from my SeneGence clientele, I know from experience how important it is to continually expand your reach. I wouldn’t call that a struggle yet, but I’m aware of the potential for it to become one. I’m proactively brainstorming ways to avoid a stall in momentum, ensuring my business continues to grow and thrive.
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?
I spent 17 years as a vocal music teacher, and that foundation of creating something from nothing—like taking a piece of music from its first rehearsal to a polished performance—has always fueled my need to be creative. Singing with the Minnesota Chorale, the symphonic chorus for the Minnesota Orchestra, has also been a cornerstone of my life. It’s given me countless mountaintop experiences performing around the Twin Cities and reinforced my love of creating and sharing beauty with others.
When I transitioned into school and district administration, I started looking for ways to keep my creative spirit alive. In the early days of selling LipSense, I discovered a love for the imaginative elements of marketing—designing graphics, taking photos, writing copy, and coming up with fun, engaging experiences for my VIP group. I think those experiences are what I’ve become known for over the years. I’ve hosted everything from in-person and Facebook parties to virtual vendor events, and most recently, a collaborative giveaway event called the 12 Days of Giveaways. I partnered with other small businesses to offer a unique gift every day from December 1–12, and it was a hit—and so much fun!
Now that I’ve added permanent jewelry to my business, I get to take that creativity a step further—not just in marketing but in actually creating the products themselves. While I haven’t ventured into designing my own chains, charms, or connectors (which are similar to charms but don’t dangle), I’m passionate about perfecting my welds and helping customers design combinations that truly reflect their individuality. I also have access to trainings on crafting some of the jewelry components, so who knows—maybe that will be my next creative experiment!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say my tenacity. If I hadn’t stuck with SeneGence for as long as I have, I’m not sure I would have felt brave or prepared enough to take the leap into permanent jewelry. My parents instilled an incredible work ethic in me and my sisters, and it has been a guiding force throughout my life. I’m deeply committed to seeing things through, and my love of learning pushes me to adapt when challenges arise. When something doesn’t work, I don’t give up—I look for another way forward.
Pricing:
- Bracelets: $30-$75
- Anklets: $40-$85
- Necklaces: $100-$125
- Charms & Connectors: $20-$35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leannekampfe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.kampfe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leanne.kampfe.ATG
