Leiza McKenna

I attribute my success to the belief my father instilled in me that sometimes you only need one person to believe in you and take a chance on you. For me, that person was Stella Jones, a gallery owner in New Orleans. After completing my appraisal studies program and struggling to find work, Stella gave me an opportunity to appraise more than 30 pieces from her collection following her husband's passing. I was simply grateful for the opportunity and completed the work for very little compensation. She was impressed with my work and began referring people from her gallery who needed appraisals. Those referrals became the foundation of my business and taught me the importance of doing excellent work, building trust, and developing a strong professional reputation.

The best career advice I received came from my father, who taught me that I only needed one person to believe in me and give me an opportunity. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career because it reinforced the importance of being prepared when an opportunity arises and making the most of the opportunities others give you.

I would encourage young women entering the art appraisal field to understand that success is not an overnight process. It has taken me 17 years to establish myself in this profession, and becoming an art appraiser requires much more than simply completing an educational program. It is a highly specialized and niche field, so building credibility and a strong professional reputation is essential.

I would also strongly recommend finding a mentor whenever possible. I did not have that opportunity, and much of what I learned about developing my clientele came through experience and years of building my reputation. I spent many years working in the insurance industry while developing my appraisal practice on weekends and days off. That experience ultimately gave me a valuable combination of appraisal expertise and extensive insurance knowledge. My advice is to remain patient, seek guidance, build relationships, and recognize that your reputation is one of your greatest professional assets.

One of my greatest opportunities is the possibility of eventually owning my own full-service art gallery. I would like to move beyond consulting for galleries and create a space where I can combine art, education, and mentorship. Over the next five years, I would like to establish a gallery that not only serves collectors and the broader art community but also provides educational opportunities for individuals interested in entering the art world.

A particularly meaningful part of that vision is mentorship. I would like to give aspiring professionals an alternative pathway into the art industry and help shorten the learning curve that I experienced. My goal is to create an environment where people can learn about the many career opportunities available within the art world beyond simply becoming an artist.

I value art, culture, continuous learning, preservation, and meaningful connections with people. I have always been a lover of museums, and whenever I travel or visit a new city for work, I make a point of visiting them. I also have a deep appreciation for gardening, which I view as another form of art and creativity.

Outside of my professional work, gardening, travel, and spending time with my daughter are especially important to me. My involvement with Master Gardeners organizations in New Orleans, Dallas, and now Houston has allowed me to combine my interest in gardening with community involvement. I value experiences that allow me to continue learning, appreciate creativity, and build meaningful connections with others.