My name is Michele. I design, hand cut and sew all our items. I carefully select the materials I use based on what speaks to me in the moment and what I feel will make customers connect with one of our products.

My love for everything leather began as a young child when I was sitting in my dad’s workshop (mancave) and he pulled out a leather kit with leather stamps to keep me busy. It was there that he let me create my first leather items… and where I fell in love with the smell, the touch, the feel of leather. I was hooked!! I still have the leather items I made for my dolls. However, back then, I didn’t know I could make a career out of leather, so I decided to pursue other career interests.

Later, as an adult, I found my passion again for leather when I needed to find a place to help with my stress and anxiety. I participated in leather workshops (shoemaking and other leather items) under the tutelage of various experts in the field, and I knew this is something I had to pursue. Leather for me gave me a safe place… it grounds me and gives me a sense of hope and peace.

Making leather goods reminds me of what can be accomplished when we surrender to the moment and use a medium like leather to guide us. Leather allows me to take care of my well-being and helps me connect with others and to mother nature. It is my hope that our products will help others in a similar way, either as a part of their mindfulness, or a special memory, or as part of their own healing process.

When I choose and cut each piece of leather, I am reminded of how leather is similar to us all:

I believe leather is unique. No piece is the same, just as we are all beautifully unique in our own way, flaws and all. Some leather even has beautiful scars representing its story… sometimes as we walk through life, we get hurt, physically or emotionally. We too have beautiful scars like some leather. Our story which makes us beautifully unique!

More recently I learned that leather has a connection to Mother Earth. It grounds us. It symbolizes ecological harmony, our place within the animal kingdom, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges while offering protection.