When the world slowed down during the pandemic, many people found themselves turning back to forgotten hobbies and passions. For Leah O’Grady, a digital illustrator and maker from the West of Ireland, that quiet time became the spark for a flourishing creative business.
Leah launched Leah O’Grady Art in 2020, transforming her lifelong love of drawing into a brand that celebrates Ireland’s cultural heritage. Her work focuses on two beloved icons: nostalgic Irish pub fronts and vintage postal stamps. With over 60 pubs illustrated so far from the famous city institutions to the small, rural gems Leah is determined to give each one its moment to shine.
“Many of these pubs have sadly been closing after generations of serving their communities,” Leah shares. “Through my art, I hope to capture their spirit, evoke memories, and celebrate the role they’ve played in Irish life.”
From Hobby to Business
Creativity had always been part of Leah’s life. Alongside her work as a Special Needs Assistant in a primary school, she enjoyed arts and crafts both in the classroom and at home. But it wasn’t until 2020 that she began creating pieces more seriously.
At first, her illustrations were just for herself and her family. But when she shared them online, the response was overwhelming. People not only loved her nostalgic designs – they wanted to buy them. That encouragement was the turning point: her passion project became a small business.
Sharing a Piece of Ireland
The heart of Leah’s work lies in memory, connection, and identity. Her illustrations of cosy pub fronts and vintage stamps aren’t just decorative, they carry with them stories of belonging.
“Many young people have left Ireland to live abroad, and I think there’s a deep grá – a love and longing – for home that never really leaves them,”
Her designs, available as prints, coasters, cushions, tote bags, and more, have traveled far beyond Ireland. From England to America to Australia, they offer people a way to bring a little piece of Ireland into their daily lives.
Building an Online Presence
Like many creative entrepreneurs, Leah’s first step was sharing her art on social media and attending local craft markets. These markets remain an important part of her journey especially around Christmas when people are searching for meaningful gifts but their reach is naturally limited.
That’s why her website has been essential. Acting as both a portfolio and shopfront, it allows customers to explore her full range and purchase easily from anywhere in the world.
Often at markets, someone might love a piece but prefer to take a card and browse online later. My website makes that possible.”
It also streamlines the business side of things such as automating order confirmations and shipping notifications, while offering interactive features like polls where customers can suggest the next pub to be illustrated.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many artists, Leah has faced moments of self-doubt. Pricing her work was another early challenge, balancing the hours of design, production, and market days with customer expectations.
Her solution? Trusting her creative vision and connecting with other small business owners for support.
“Networking has been incredibly helpful,” she explains. “Talking to other like-minded artists allows you to share ideas, get advice, and gain confidence to keep going.”
Memorable Milestones
For Leah, success is measured not only in sales but in the stories her art creates. One standout moment was when a customer purchased two Galway Hooker cushions – which later ended up being presented to Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Another highlight came during the Saw Doctors concert in Tuam, where she released her collection of Tuam pubs. Meeting people from across the world who shared their personal memories of those pubs was deeply rewarding.
“Moments like these remind me why I started – connecting people to Irish nostalgia and culture, no matter where they are in the world.”
Community and Connection
For Leah, her community of supporters is at the heart of everything. Whether it’s someone liking a post, voting in a poll, or sharing stories at a market, each interaction helps her business grow.
She engages actively on social media with behind-the-scenes updates, feedback requests, and personal stories that bring people closer to her creative process. At markets, face-to-face conversations inspire new designs and reinforce the emotional bond behind her work.
Looking Ahead
Seeing her work out in the world is what motivates Leah the most – whether it’s a stamp-themed shirt spotted at a GAA match or one of her cushions brightening a family home abroad.
Her mission is clear: to continue expanding her collection of Irish pubs and vintage stamps, celebrating the places and symbols that hold a special place in people’s hearts.
As Leah puts it:
“My goal is to make it easy for people to bring a little piece of Ireland into their daily lives, no matter where they are.”
