Leather Veins

“Am I ever going to get there?”-- I asked myself as I drove the winding roads over the mountains of North Carolina into Tennessee. I was on my way to meet a craftsman who had been recommended by a colleague. Although the trek was well into its 4^th hour, the visual feast of the terrain was quite spectacular. The beautiful hills were sporting the first brushstrokes of autumn and the air decidedly cooler.  However, having been on the road since sunrise, I was ready to meet this talented fellow.

                If I had blinked, I would have missed the shop. It is tiny. It is very unpretentious.  As I stepped into the door to announce my arrival, I was greeted by the very notable aroma of leather. There wasn’t any doubt what this ensemble of artisans was creating. Before me was a buzz of activity. As the need for concentration is high, there weren’t any conversations, just the soft, muffled sounds of music to sooth one’s tension. Fine wallets, belts, and handbags were all in the works.

  Larry Dark is the founder and creative director of this studio. His sincere smile and demeanor assure you that you are among friends. I was instantly welcomed.

                Curiosity has always had a grip on me. I like to know how things are made. I like to experience development. Such knowledge is the foundation for design. Larry was most gracious to share the construction process with me.

                The room was spotted with notably vintage machinery. All still functioning as beautifully as its original date of delivery. There were:  skiving machines, splitters, cutters, clickers, punchers, embossers, and on. It was amazing to learn of the fine detail involved in creating a single wallet.  Each piece is a little work of art. This is not “imported production goods”!  I knew I was undeniably among kindred souls. “Made in USA” is not just a phrase here, but an absolute.

                “How did you get started, Larry? How long have you been in this business? Are you from Tennessee?”—These were all questions which Larry kindly answered. Starting as a machinist in Oklahoma, he soon found himself working on sewing machines under the tutelage of a master leather craftsman from Germany.  Stereotypically stern and authoritative, the mentor instilled a passion for quality workmanship. It is this experience that has guided Larry for over 27 years of production. 

                A display cabinet of products proudly exhibits the level of ability found here. As I stood admiring the goods, my immediate reaction was, “WOW!" Studying the seams, the cuts, the weight and the finish of each piece, I could only purr with content. In addition to these pieces being made in Tennessee, all hides were of domestic origin.  Cattle, bison, ostritch, and alligator were being featured.  Larry’s customers include such notable luxury retailers as Neiman Marcus and American fashion designer, Billy Reid. Quality. Pure quality.

  I asked Larry if he had found his dream in life. Surprisingly, he hesitated. Slowly, he turned towards me with his eyes straight at mine. "Yes, I am getting to do what I enjoy for a career, but more importantly,  I have found a proper balance in life. Weekends are reserved for family and friends. For experiencing life."-----As a self-confessed "workaholic", such thoughts are near foreign to me, yet his words continue to resonate in my mind with a sting that only truth can deliver.

                When I inquired, “Why leather?” He laughed, stating, “Never cut your finger while working on leather. Once it is in your veins, you will never stop creating with it.”

                As I drove back down the mountain, I could only smile, knowing a wonderful new group of artisans has been added to the VALOR American Home family. We are most honored to be working with them and look forward to our journey together.

This was a Moment in America.