My journey into leatherworking wasn't predictable. As a U.S. Navy veteran living in Virginia, my background was built on discipline, not design. I never considered myself an artist, until I picked up a piece of leather.

I was immediately hooked by the raw, sensory nature of the trade. The rich aroma of premium tannage, the clean snap of a sharp knife cutting a perfect line, and the rhythmic, slow tempo of a traditional saddle stitch. In a modern world where everything is rushed and machine-made, I found a deep sense of purpose in creating something entirely by hand, one deliberate stitch at a time.

Valence Leather Co. was born out of that obsession. Every wallet I create is meticulously hand-cut and saddle-stitched using premium materials from the world’s most respected tanneries. I refuse to take shortcuts or chase mass production. My goal is simple: to build functional art that is refined enough for under-stated luxury, rugged enough for the daily journey, and built to endure for decades.

Thank you for stopping by the workshop, supporting an independent small business, and carrying a piece of the craft on your own journey.