About Us
This was a dream 8 years in the making. The story begins during the summer of 2013 when I wrapped up my first year of college and suddenly found myself in need of a summer job. There was a position advertised as ‘Educational Interpreter’ at our local heritage town, and I thought that fit nicely with my goal of becoming a teacher. Only in hindsight can I appreciate what a momentous opportunity this was. Fortunately, they hired me, and I spent that first summer working in various shops around the town dressed in old-timey clothes and pretending it was the 1860’s.
By far, my favourite place to work was the leather shop. I have always been into woodworking and crafting, but leather is different. There’s something about working with the hide of an animal, the way it smells and feels. Each side tells a story and each piece you create is unique. It’s a medium that gives you the opportunity to make something both beautiful and functional. It’s also one of those rare materials that improves with age and wear. Quality leather goods will still be around long after we’re gone! Anyways, back to the story…
Before I knew it, the summer was over, and I was back in the books. Still, I felt this calling to work with leather and I pursued it as a hobby on the side. Years went by and I still felt this calling. Finally, after much prayer and encouragement from my wife, we decided to step out in faith and start Dolen Leather. If I’m being honest, it’s scary to even write that, but we have to start somewhere. We’ve really missed working together as we have in the past and now, we have a chance to build something as a family. We want to show our girls that you can take chances and dream big dreams. We want to teach them about working with their hands and making something that lasts. All around us is mass production and disposable everything. Leather craft is an antithesis to that philosophy.
With all this in mind, our approach is to create truly unique and individualized items using the best materials and hardware available. We source our leather from reputable tanneries around the world and we are conscious of making the most of each side. Every piece reflects many hours of trial and practice as we seek to bring you the best combination of form and function. Most of all, we sincerely enjoy working alongside others and seeing their ideas come to fruition.
In a world of many dying arts, we are swimming upstream. Yes, it takes longer to make things from scratch, and yes, using quality materials costs more. Our aim is to make everything with love, and everything to last. We hope you will join us on this journey.