Embark on a journey through the world of leather crafting with Jo, the creative force behind Jo's Leather Crafts. In this interview, Jo shares her beginnings in leatherwork at the age of 16 and how her passion for creativity led her to establish her own business. Discover the challenges she faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, her commitment to quality craftsmanship, and her memorable successes along the way. Join us as we explore Jo's unique approach to leather crafting and her vision for the future of her business.
What inspired you to pursue crafting leather goods specifically?
I started leatherwork at the age of 16 in 2013 after the floristry college I was going to attend closed before I got to go, so I had to look for an alternative career. At the time I was really into steampunk and liked the idea of making my own outfit accessories so was thinking of trying out leatherwork. A friend and I got talking and it turned out he used to make dog leads, so he showed me how to saddle stitch and lent me some leather tools, which started the passion for leatherwork and creativity.
What challenges did you face when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
The first few years of my business were mainly practising and taking on small commissions to build up my repertoire. The main challenges have been getting my name out there, as it is with all small businesses, finding out what selling platforms work best and events, figuring out a brand and deciding what items to make that’s niche to you. The only way to overcome this is with trial and error, and perseverance! It has taken me a lot of years to feel my work is good enough (bit too much of a perfectionist!), and to get to a point of making money. I do tend to not push myself enough but I’m getting better at it.
Being a woman-run business, have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities?
Leatherwork is traditionally more of a male occupation, so I do sometimes feel a bit of sexism happening, especially at some events I have been to and in certain circles. There’s another challenge I have, with being young when I started out (and I look younger than my years so this still happens!) I don’t always get taken seriously. Especially at events most people don’t realise it’s me making it and think it’s usually my Mum who I often rope in to come with me. Another obstacle is customers thinking it’s just a hobby and not my full time occupation, which can then create upsetting comments.
How do you ensure the quality of your handcrafted leather goods?
I mostly buy my leather in person, so I get to select the best quality (and its fun going leather shopping anyway!). Then everything I make is done mostly by hand. The only machines I have are a clicker press that I cut out wallet interior pieces and a laser engraver for doing more detailed designs or for cutting out some projects. The laser is fantastic as it helps my hands from being so sore, and it speeds up the process a little for more productivity in a day. But I will always hand stitch so that it’s as hand made as it can be. All items are hand stained too as most of my style is designs that have colour or two-tone brown. I do have a high level of quality control so anything that I’m not happy with usually gets made again, so I do like to get it right to start with! I cannot stand it if something is wonky.
What sets Jo’s Leather Crafts apart from other leather craft businesses?
There are many brilliant leather businesses out there, here in the UK there’s a lot to choose from before you even get over to America, but what sets us all apart is our own unique style. Jo’s Leather Crafts unique selling point is that it’s all hand stitched, I make all my own patterns, and of course the style in which I stain and paint my items, and the designs I chose to put on them. I make all the stamping/colours different each time, so each item is individual. Most of my items have finished edges, that have been bevelled and burnished which not all leatherworkers do. I’m proud to say that I’m self-taught, a woman leatherworker and that I was home educated which all adds to my business story.
Can you share a memorable success or achievement you've experienced since starting your business?
Every time I receive a review on my Etsy shop it feels like an achievement. But it’s this last year that has been full of memorable successes. Throughout covid I shut down my online shop (couldn’t go to the post office) and most of my business as I had to shield due to having severe asthma so it’s only the last year and a half that I’ve come back and pushed harder to make up for lost time. Last year I attended the biggest show I’ve ever been to, after building a stand and taking it there and then trading for two days I felt on top of the world! Etsy took off this last Christmas and January, packing up three items each day was quite the achievement for me. Feeling like belonging in a community of local crafters, doing well on TikTok, and all the accomplishments like a customer being so thrilled with a photo of their wallet in progress they showed the whole room of people is what it’s all about.
How do you balance creativity with the business aspects of running Jo’s Leather Crafts?
It’s difficult at times, if I don’t feel like being in the mood for creativity and I must make something anyway it will usually end badly (that means in the bin). All forms of art you have to be in the right frame of mind for it to go well. Some days can be overwhelming when I have social media, video editing, shop managing, and making to do, there’s just not enough time in the day! I have now tried to start that I make items during the day, then do socials etc after 5pm. That’s if dogs and home life allow. Etsy I will often put aside a whole day for, same with admin. But whatever happens I often feel time management is not my strong point.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those interested in starting a craft-based business?
Make sure you are confident in what you are making before you start selling. I was always worried about complaints till I knew my products were well made enough. Having a strong support system is very helpful, I couldn’t do without my parent’s support, for the days that
don’t go well, sounding ideas off and helping out with events. A strong crafter community is good too. It might not go well to start with, you might be an overnight success, or you could be like me, over ten years in and only just getting somewhere but you must persevere and keep trying, even when you’re anxious and tired because you can do it. I always let what people say get to me, it’s often said my prices are too high which upsets me greatly because I do the best price I can. So, if you’re sensitive like me you mustn’t let what people say get to you, just believe in what you think is right.
How do you see Jo’s Leather Crafts evolving in the future? Are there any new projects or products on the horizon?
I’d like to see a much bigger increase in social media following and Etsy purchases. It will constantly evolve with new items I’m making and events to try out, who knows what’s round the corner. Project wise I’m making new Viking style and tarot/pagan items. And something I’d really like to do is more leather art pieces on canvas, I had a commission last year for a Portuguese heart and I’d love to branch out into making more unique pieces like it.
Instagram/Threads @josleathercrafts
TikTok - @josleathercrafts
Etsy - JosLeatherCrafts
Facebook - Jo’s Leather Crafts
Website – www.josleathercrafts.co.uk
