Meet Spencer, the Maker
He can [quite possibly] make anything. Spencer is a devote husband, a loving father to two young boys, and a Maker at heart. With an extensive background in mechanics and industrial machinery, he has an innate skill of ‘fixing’ things, no matter what it is. If it’s mechanical, he can do it. If it’s electrical, he can probably do it. And if it’s made of wood, call someone else.
How It Started
Spencer, being an industrial mechanic by trade and having worked on ski lifts and large machines that make applesauce, felt that he's always been a maker. He was known to be dabbling in many different trades while on break in his car and when he found leather it was like it was meant to be. It began as a hobby, and when people started buying his wallets and praising his craftsmanship, he began to wonder if he could grow something that would ultimately enable him to retire from being an overworked/under appreciated employee.
Then what?
"After 2 years of perfecting the craft, jumping into entrepreneurship felt like the natural next step. It was terrifying yet the best decision I’ve ever made because the benefits far out weigh the costs. I’m now able spend more time with my family, have a flexible schedule to work around, able to help our community and donate towards good causes. I’ve networked with many other small business owners over the last few years, brainstorm with them on ways to improve, and overall participate in a community that loves to support each other.
Becoming a business owner has shifted my mindset, enabled me to grow beyond myself, and has helped me become a better version of myself than I ever thought possible." - Spencer
My First Creation
As a Mechanic, you tend to carry around with you the same tools, and I got tired of wearing holes on my pockets, so I made this.
What do you do when you just start out? You buy patterns.
You buy patterns. Shout out to Dieselpunk for their awesome patterns!
The OG Leif Wallet
I was super proud this one. It actually [kind-of] fit a card! Looking back, I had sloppy stitching, poor finishing, and honestly it was kind of ugly...
"You'd pay for this?"
We were approached by a local shop owner, who was very kind and offered him the opportunity to set up a small table in front of their shop to begin selling.
It's starting to look a lot like...
a buisness! We've got a wopping 6-item inventory!
Add a couple bags & we're set!
You can't have a proper lineup without a couple bags...
The Set-up
After 2 years of selling, we started to perfect the set up design of our booth.
Is it perfect? Right then it was.
Will it get better? Of course!
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms"
- 1 Peter 4:10