Leah Vance

Leah Vance has turned her passions into thriving businesses in Logan, WV. As the owner of Leah Vance Photography, LVP Studio Advertising, The Broken Axle, Appalachian Outpost, Redbird Café and The Outpost Company Store, Vance’s career path is one that prioritizes creativity and community engagement.

A Logan native, Vance learned the values of hard work, family and community at a young age. Growing up in a large, female-dominated family, she was surrounded by strong women who played significant roles in shaping who she is today, the most influential being her mother.

My mom has always been a role model,” Vance says. “She has worked hard for everything she has and showed me that’s what you have to do to be successful. My entire life she has encouraged me to explore business ventures, community, the world, education and life in general. She also taught me to take care of our home and our people.”

Vance also recognizes her art and photography teacher, Linda Ball, as an influential woman in her life.

“She is the reason I became an artist,” Vance says. “Up until then, I needed a creative outlet and didn’t know it. The way she saw the world and encouraged me was exactly what I needed. I would have been lost without it. I hope everyone has a teacher like Linda Ball in their life.”

Vance’s professional journey began at the YWCA Resolve, where she worked as a teen dating violence prevention specialist. She not only learned the importance of public speaking but was also able to make real differences in teens’ lives.

“It was rewarding at times and sad and overwhelming at others,” she says. “I am grateful for people who can do this type of job. After three years, I needed a change—the sadness in the world was starting to be reflected in my art and take its toll on me.”

This change in her career path led Vance to the endless opportunities that entrepreneurship provides, which is how she got to where she is today. Her journey has not been free of obstacles, though. About a year after opening The Broken Axle, someone created a Facebook profile pretending to be Vance.

“Having someone steal my identity to post racist and inappropriate things was so upsetting,” she says. “This eventually led to me receiving death threats and being called the worst names I’ve ever heard. I was worried for my children’s safety and anyone close to me.”

Vance feared that her business was going to fail because of this. Employees quit because they didn’t want to be associated with the chaos. She even had to file criminal and civil charges.

“My community that knew me knew that was not me,” she says. “They wanted to make sure I was safe and supported.”

Leaning on her family, friends and community is what helped Vance persevere after this scary experience.

“I didn’t let this keep me from being successful and working hard,” she says. “I kept going.”

For Vance, giving back to the community that has shown her ample love and support is vital. She is actively involved in Kiwanis of Logan, Logan Little League, Logan Buddy League, Heritage Christian Academy, Heritage Volleyball, Logan County Schools, Runnin’ Wildcat Basketball, Holden Freewill Baptist, WECAN, Logan County Chamber of Commerce and the Logan County Humane Society.

Her commitment to service stems from her appreciation of her hometown.

“I love our small town,” Vance says. “I choose to live here, and I want it to be the best place with the best people.”