Today we’d like to introduce you to John Schaefer.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Working as a local actor has its ups and downs. Most of the time actors in my position are not full time. Must always have a side hustle. Jobs can be far and few in between. Whilst working with the camera department on Season 2 of The Righteous Gemstones, two days into the new season after a 6 month break, we shut down for a few weeks because of Covid. Well, two weeks turned out to be a year, and in the downtime I turned from repairing wood furniture to taking a chance on myself and making a small hobby, a small business. I spent the entire year off from filming going to school at the University of Youtube and learning all I could, from leather choices, specific tools needed, and perfecting my techniques. I am a very fine touch orientated person. I feel my desire to go the extra step for all my goods really sets me apart from all other leather artisans.
I am proud to say that after 5 years my business has truly grown to be my full time job, (still do some acting when that happens). I have created a line of goods that pair the highest quality Italian hides and hardware in goods that represent timeless style and heirloom quality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Like any small business, starting out you just want to break even. You undersell your goods so you can at least make something on a day. You struggle to make the product the way you want. You take every no sale to heart and that they don’t just not like your product, but also you. I can from acting so I am accustomed to being rejected, but even then. Zero sales days and negative on the books with expenses can still shake your confidence.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in using the highest quality hides, primarily from generational Tanneries from Italy and Chicago all my leather goods are full grain and near flawless in quality.
I feel what sets me apart from other makers is that I put a premium on not only functionality but the finishing touches as well. I design all my works from paper, to prototype, to finished product. From my hand stitched wallets to my backpacks and weekenders, each and every piece is made to exacting quality.
What matters most to you? Why?
The initial feel that people have. I source traditional, vegetable tanned hides that have a very specific smell and feel. When people come to my booth and can take in the aroma of the leathers I use, paired with the feel in the hand. There is nothing like it. Matched with the colors I choose and the finishing touches. You realize you’re holding something very special.
Pricing:
- Wallets range form 55 to 350
- Bags from 315 to 1000
- Belts and Accesories from 30 to 145
Contact Info:
- Website: https://schaeferatelier.com
- Instagram: schaefer_atelier
