Elisa Stancil Levine

Elisa Stancil Levine grew up beside the American River in Northern California, a few miles from the site of the California gold rush. Her mid-century childhood she likens to a cross between American Graffiti and Deliverance. She left school at sixteen and as a teen mother earned a degree from community college. The following six years, with partners, Levine restored sixteen Craftsman houses. For two years Elisa was home and garden editor for Sacramento Magazine. At thirty she condensed and edited books for a university publisher and at thirty -five she founded Stancil Studios, now an award winning nationwide decorative finishes company. Elisa mentored numerous artisans in this craft and her son, James Stancil, now owns and operates the San Francisco based company. The company’s national and international projects are featured in all major design magazines and online.