I have been working on my leathercraft skills for a few years and have been toying around with the idea of opening a side business selling niche leathergoods. I have a question for this group about how they might consider initially positioning the business to pursue a small target market. To be clear, this would be launching a new brand and new offerings -- which I recognize is a challenge.

I have identified a natural market (a relatively large hobby/recreational sport in which I personally participate). This market predominantly serves men; however, there seem to be an untapped opportunity with women specifically. Targeting the female market is potentially high-return, but design/attraction is generally high-risk as well.

Two ways I'm considering approaching. ("A") Standard model in Feminine materials and/or ("B") Women-Only model. Offering A is essentially a unisex design that would be offered in Feminine materials (e.g., feminine colors) as well…

I had a brand that reached out to me and wanted me to make a toolbox-styled bag for a runway event. There were a lot of hurdles to overcome with this project and I found most of the answers here! I referenced "The Mini Leather Trunk", "The Art of Leather Wrapped Boxes", "The Making of a Post Handle" and a few more that I'm forgetting. Just wanted to share my appreciation for Philip and the courses. Even as a professional, they are an indispensable asset!

Hello Philip and fellow crafters!

My name is Zachary Willardsen and I have been working with leather since 2020. I have been a member of this community before and only left for financial reasons but I am excited to be back. I am grateful for Philip and his extensive knowledge!

I hope to get to know you all better and learn from one another. Its a beautiful thing to have a community of people who are committed to the same craft!

Hello, I am Remco. I started working with leather in 2023. After my deployment, I worked on myself for about 7 years, and it was time for me to do something again. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to work, but I try to contribute to society in this way and be an example for my children. Last year, I started a course in hand-sewing handbags. Once this is finished, I will subscribe to the masterclass to further develop myself.

Remco

Hi,

I'm making the Lizzie Crossbody, and I'm lining it with salmon leather. As this is more delicate will it be more durable to glue it entirely to the body of the bag, or it's still preferable just to glue the edges?

Thanks,

Liam

Hi,

I'm Liam, I started working with leather during an extended psychiatric hospitalisation. It's become an important part of my life and recovery. In January I bit the bullet and subscribed to the masterclass, and I'm very glad I did. I need to refine my skills a lot - my tremor doesn't help! I've made the Turrene and am now working on the crossbody.

Thats it really,

Liam

I just finished my second bag... took what I learned in the Turrene course and tried something different...

JH

Im looking to create a domed belt but don't know the full construction in order to achieve said belt.

From what im assuming its a domed filler of some sort ie plastic domed strips or cardboard of some sort unless im completely wrong.

Could someone shed some light on this.

Much appreciated.