Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mitchell.
Hi Shannon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My father did saddle and repair when I was in high school. I wanted to chase boys and hang with my friends, but my father had other plans for me. He started me off braiding reins and other jobs around his shop. In my 20’s, I was on a rodeo team and he would travel with us to repair our tack on the spot. I joined the USArmy and during my service, my dad passed away leaving all the memories of working in the leather shop behind or so I thought. 3 amazing kiddos, a failed marriage, severe depression, bi-polar, anxiety, looking at turning 50 and all the things that come from that I knew something had to change. I met my forever husband, Wheelz, around this time and knew my life was in for a something life altering. Together we got an English mastiff, Mack and we wanted a beautiful leather collar for him. I went and made one, while doing so, all the memories of working in my dad’s shop flooded back, memories and skills I thought were lost forever. I came home to my loving husband with a new found vigor and passion to start a business. We talked and he said anything to get you out of bed, he’d fully support. This is when Ol’Lady Leatherworks was formed. At first it was just a hobby. Something to help me deal with my mental issues and to spend time in the garage with my husband. I started with a box of scraps and would make simple things and lots and lots of practicing hand sewing and tooling. My friends noticed some of the things I had made and wanted them. I soon realized that I was inadvertently carrying on my dads tradition. My husband built me a huge counter top and extended my workspace in the garage and we haven’t looked back sense.I have been in business now almost 4 years, and I am Veteran owned and certified. I am humbled each time my phone rings or a new customer knocks on my door looking for leatherworks. I focus on quality hand made custom leather goods that will stand the test of time. I want my customers to feel they get exactly what they in-vision when they contact me for a project. I also do local vendor markets throughout central Texas to meet other vendors and get my name out there.
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?
Smooth…. lol…nothing worth doing is ever smooth. It has definitely been a struggle. One of the main issues has been my confidence. In the beginning, I would listen to the voices in my head telling me that my work wasn’t good enough to actually charge for. That no one would be interested in what I had to offer. Than, customers actually started calling. Then, a new fear would set in, I would get nervous every time an order would go out that a customer would call saying that something was wrong or broke. These are still fears that I have today. My confidence has gotten a little better and so has me work, but I am always pushing my self and my skills to improve and do better. I do stand behind my work, telling my customers I will fix or repair for the life of the product, as long as they don’t take a blowtorch to it. 🙂
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe that one thing that sets me apart from most is that all my work is complete hand done. I sew with needle and thread, I tool all by hand no matter the size of the piece. I strive to make each and every piece original and never make duplicates. With me you never have to worry about someone having the same thing as you. Everything that comes out of my shop is one of a kind!!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned would be to stay humble, and to stay in the moment. I am sometimes in complete disbelief that I am an actual business owner. I’m now into my 50’s and it has taken me this long to feel like I’v actually found something that fits me. The ability to carry on my father’s tradition, It has brought me to my knees many times. When customers come to me and say they were referred to me from a previous customer or because of my google reviews, it’s hard not to get choked up. I have to pinch myself to remind my self this is actually happening. To remember that this would have never happened without the loving support of my husband every step of the way.
Pricing:
- Texas shaped key chains $7
- Koozies $25
- Belts start at $100 and go up
- Holster start at $90 and go up
- Sheaths start at $75 and go up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.olladyleatherworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ol_ladyleatherworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olladyleatherworks?
- Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@olladyleatherworks
