A Conversation with Leela Morimoto

How did you find your way to Bend? What has your experience been in Central Oregon?

My Husband and I moved here about 8 years ago. I started by working full time, then part time, while I slowly built up and explored my design focus for my own business. I very quickly wanted to become part of the Japanese community, as shortly before I had spent a year in Japan teaching English, and very much missed my culture, but knew that building a business for myself would be best in the states. Central Oregon has an AMAZING entrepreneurial community - where everyone is so supportive of each other and there's very little competitiveness. 

Can you share some information about your business? 

I started with Origami as a very young child, and that turned into Origami Jewelry in 2008. I expanded my offerings slowly, and then purchased a laser cutter and made wood and acrylic jewelry inspired by Modular Origami that I had folded from paper. From there, I started combining my background in Professional Organizing with my Product Design degree, and started a line of products called OrderLee, where I make organizational home decor - meal planning boards, chore chart boards, conversion chart magnets etc. My focus is on things that help with daily life while remaining aesthetically pleasing, and things that make you smile, as it's been a tough few years for everyone and any little bit of joy helps!

How can we support your business?

My online shop, www.LeeMoDesigns.com has my full line of products, while I sell some of my products and jewelry locally as well: Alpaca By Design, The Workhouse, Wildroots Coffee House, Sand Lily Home, Central Oregon Locavore, Layor Art & Supply, Ticket Mill, Oregon Body & Bath, and Somewhere That's Green.