Photo Credit: John Kunstadler
Photo Credit: John Kunstadler
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WHO WE ARE
North & East Leather: Crafting Excellence in Berkeley, CA
At North & East Leather, we believe in the artistry of simplicity. As a one-man small batch leather goods maker, we pour our heart and soul into every piece we create. Our workshop, nestled in the vibrant city of Berkeley, California, hums with creativity and dedication.
Design Philosophy: Function Over Form
Our guiding principle is simple: function over form. We prioritize utility, ensuring that each product serves its purpose seamlessly. Whether it’s a rugged backpack, a timeless wallet, or a sturdy belt, our designs are rooted in practicality. We want our leather goods to be companions on life’s adventures, not mere accessories.
Material Choice: Full Grain Leather
Why settle for less? We exclusively use full grain leather—the gold standard in durability and character. Each hide tells a story, bearing the marks of time and experience. Our commitment to full grain leather ensures that our products age gracefully, developing a rich patina unique to their owner.
Craftsmanship: Made In-House
From sketch to stitch, every step happens right here in our Berkeley workshop. Our hands touch every piece of leather, shaping it into something extraordinary. We take pride in our meticulous craftsmanship, knowing that quality is never compromised.
Longevity: A Lasting Legacy
At North & East Leather, we don’t create disposable goods. Our vision extends beyond trends and seasons. We aspire to craft heirlooms—items that withstand the test of time. When you choose our products, you’re investing in longevity, passing down a piece of our passion to future generations.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Explore our collection, feel the grain, and discover the soul within each stitch.
HOW IT STARTED
DIY - (Do It Yourself) Has been a constant part of my life. This might have been brought about when I was growing up and seeing my Grandfather tinker, fix and make stuff in his workshop. I was always fascinated by this as well as craftspeople, artisans and how working with their hands can produce awesome everyday use pieces.
I came into working with leather unintentionally through the way of photography. In one of my shoots, I was looking for a bag that we can use and decided that I should probably try making one and see if it can be used as a prop. That was one idea that I immediately regretted. It was also the one idea that stuck in my mind and really got hooked on from day one. Long story short, it took me a year and some months to teach myself about working with leather and North & East Leather was born.
We first launched our product in December of 2017 at Maker's Row in Berkeley, CA. We have ventured out to other places for pop-ups since then to reach out to as many people as we can. Check our Events page for our pop-up schedules!
Always be inquisitive, overly curious and never, ever shy away from trying, learning and making stuff -
Jomar & Priscilla