The Journey
I've struggled to keep this section updated, but I'm currently updating it.
Werther Leather Goods is my small family business that focuses on making high quality leather goods and celebrating small victories along the way. Here are some highlights and fun facts since I started.
2009-2010
Living and working in New York City, I spent many days and hours looking for the perfect wallet. I wasn't able to land my ideal finance job, but I did end up making my ideal wallet.
Launch Video (2011)
I made a stop motion video to announce the launch of Werther Leather Goods (originally "Waskerd"--which is my name spelled backwards). It showcases one of the very first Astoria wallets with the very first hide of leather I purchased.
I didn't post the video after I made it, because I didn't think it was good enough.
I launched my website in September 2011 with 9 months of leather work, 7 wallet designs, and a trademark battle with Wrangler Apparel Corp.
"The Making of Waskerd Wallets" Video (2012)
This was the second video I made. It shows the process of making a wallet. After punching thousands of holes I started to develop carpal tunnel and I eventually invested in templates to help me cut out my wallets more efficiently.
In December, after 22 grueling months dealing with Wrangler, my logo was officially registered as a federal trademark: ®
The Zero Halliburton 75th Anniversary Case (2013)
I started going to tradeshows in NYC as an attempt to get my wallets in men's stores.
One of the shows led to a collaboration with Zero Halliburton for their 75th anniversary. It was an honor to be a part of the project and to have the collaborative suitcases spotlighted at the grand opening of their flagship store on Madison Ave in NYC.
Featured on Esquire's "Best Wallets to Buy This Spring" (2013)
I was confused when orders started coming in. I went from selling a wallet or two a week to a wallet or two a day after the feature, and I realized I may actually have a viable business.
Wooden Rings (2013)
I started selling wooden rings on my website--something I had been making and selling since I was a kid in middle school. They didn't sell well, and of course they break. So, I ended up discontinuing them about a year later.
Featured by @instagram (2014)
Featured by @instagrm on instagram for the #WHPthemakingof (Weekend Hashtag Project - The Making Of). My old phone could barely handle the non-stop notifications that poured in for almost a week.
I remember I had to download a specific app to turn my video into a square in order to post it.
New Parents (2015)
We were overjoyed to welcome our daughter, Julia. Becoming a parent gave new meaning to life and new importance to Werther. She fit nicely into this old "Lunch Tote" that I used to make.
Distinction Magazine (2016)
Working off the floor in Pittsburgh, then out of my parents' garage in Virginia, then to a bedroom nook in Philadelphia, then another apartment, then out of the back of the truck on a cross country road trip, this was my 6th shop setup, and I was proud to be welcoming the magazine journalist and photographer to come check it out for the feature.
And the Adventure Continues...
Having children has brought new meaning to life and new importance to Werther. From a business perspective, it has forced me to be more focused and more efficient. And personally, it has helped me unplug and be present when I'm not working.
They grow so fast, it is hard to keep the website photo current, but here is a blurry one from Julia's 3rd birthday party. Mae is holding our little guy, Sam.
Company Timeline
My Journey
November 2014
Determined to maintain the personal engagement with each customer and to keep all products hand-stitched, in-house, I hired the help of my mom and my good friend Anthony.
January 2015
Collaborated with menswear artist Matthew "Sunflowerman" Miller for our first-ever lookbook that we mailed to over 50 stores and publications along with detailed handwritten letters. See the pdf version here.
Spring 2015
Deflated by the lack of responses to our lookbook that we invested so much time and energy into, we decided to pivot away from selling to stores and instead continue to focus on the individual customer.
The Glory Days
At every step in the journey, I try to remind myself that someday we will be looking back on this time and say "those were the days". We look forward to what is to come and try our best to enjoy each step along the way.
