Leon Jakimič

We Are Not Here to Repeat The Past; We Want to Move The Story Forward

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Can you share a few words about yourself and your family?

I come from Liberec in Northern Bohemia, a place surrounded by forests, mountains, and a strong tradition of sport, craft, and architecture. That place shaped who I am.

I lived abroad for many years, but in 2020 I moved back to Liberec with my wife Lucie and our five children. It felt natural. I never stopped feeling at home there.

What made you become an entrepreneur?

I believed Czech glass deserved a stronger voice in the world. It’s a beautiful tradition with real depth. One of my private missions for founding Lasvit in 2007 was to save and evolve the craftsmanship in Bohemia by re-connecting it with the world’s most imaginative designers and architects.

Tell us about your company, Lasvit.

Lasvit connects traditional Bohemian glassmaking with contemporary design. We produce bespoke lighting, architectural installations, and design collections of lights and glassware. Everything we do is handmade and rooted in craftsmanship. But we’re not here to repeat the past, we want to move the story forward.

I feel so passionate about glassworks, but mostly about glassmakers, who wake up at 4:30 am every day and then inject their love and passion into the molten silica sand we call glass.

Lasvit is a big international player in designer lighting fixtures, glass architectural elements, and glass art objects. How come?

Because we said yes to ideas that others thought were too difficult or too ambitious. We’ve worked hard, taken risks, and kept our standards high. We stayed close to the craft, while always moving forward.

Also, we wanted to see how the world’s best designers, like Nendo, Alessandro Mendini, or Zaha Hadid, would express their vision through glass. That curiosity pushed us forward.

Is the role of artistry in society still important in today’s digital world?

Absolutely important, since, in the age of AI and robots, one of the few fields where humans will be indispensable is artistry and craftsmanship. By its definition, it must be human-made, perhaps imperfect, but radiating love and passion, which is a key tool of every artisan.

You and your spouse are involved in charity work. Please tell us more about that.

We started the Lasvit Foundation to support our region. We focus on three paths: preserving the heritage of Czech glassmaking, supporting our local community, and encouraging movement and vitality through sport. We want to spark curiosity in young people, and show them how even a simple material like glass can hold meaning and transformation. We support those going through hard times, and invest in the energy of our region. When people are encouraged to see more, feel more, and create more, something truly meaningful begins to grow.

You have five children. Do you know which one will follow in your footsteps?

They’re still growing, each with their own passions. I don’t expect them to follow my path. But they’ve all spent time in the glassworks, and I see how the material speaks to them. Maybe one day, one of them will take the torch. Or not. That’s up to them.

Where do you see yourself and Lasvit in 10 years?

Still creating, still learning. I hope Lasvit becomes more of a cultural brand, not just a design brand. And personally, I hope I’ll be spending more time in nature, in the Liberec region as well as worldwide.

Can you choose the best projects Lasvit has done up until now?

The Glaciero sculpture for a private residence in Gstaad, and the Cartier Geneva glass ice cave.

I guess I like ice as my inspiration 🙂

How do you spend your free time?

I play tennis, ski, and enjoy hiking. But I especially love joining my kids at their tennis tournaments, which they are very passionate about.

What is the best adventure you have had?

Every year in June, I and seven close childhood high school same-age friends go canoeing on a different river in Czechia.

We take a three-day trip, sleeping in tents alongside the river, enjoying each other’s company.

What is the weirdest thing you have dealt with?

Diving with sharks in Fiji.

Finally, can you wrap up by giving a piece of advice to the next generation?

Always look on the bright side of things, never give up on your dreams, and don’t worry about negative comments from people who don’t know you.