Turning LEATHER CRAFT into a FULL-TIME CAREER!

[@marisabotes2238]

I am trying my best everyday to achieve my dream of becoming a full time leathercrafter. Working a full time job as an accountant and going at my leathercrafting afterhours. I am truly and completely obsessed with making it work. And everytime I struggle...you and your videos are my guidance. You are kind of my online mentor. And this video spoke to my hart truly. I have all these thoughts running around and you anwered them all. Thank you so much

[@LittleKingGoods]

So glad I could help in some way! Keep up the hustle!

[@richhenry7540]

I truly appreciate your post. Im going to school for accounting myself. I want to be able to build/create something with my own hands. Came across these videos yesterday. They've peaked my interest.

[@thewizdad]

Marisa Botes Im in the same boat. The daily struggle is finding the passion yet not letting the setbacks overwhelm me. Recently ruined almost a whole side of high grade leather (paid $150 for it) for a single project. This one really hurt. Ended up using the last failure as a gift project to salvage something from it. Started a year long leather armor smithing course and its really helped me get my passion back. Dm me if you wanna chat. The Wizdad.

[@jonamachado]

Same here. Greetings from Brazil. Do you have an Instagram or something with your goods?

[@farrukhaftab96]

Same is the case here. A professional accountant wanted to be a leather craftsman here in Pakistan. 😁😁

[@strhandmade]

Such a similar to my story. I'm almost a year on full time leather crafting. And im so glad that i finally found to do what i really like. Keep it up, mate! Best wishes from Lithuania!

[@QuaCao-z9i]

I've listened to every single word from you seriously since the first time i saw your video. You're my biggest inspiration for starting leathercraft. Since i have a family to feed, i can not quit my full time job as a interior designer, but i'm trying to spend some of my freetime crafting as a new hobby. I really hope one day i'll have a brand for myself like yours. You're like my mentor. Thank you so much man. Best wishes for you and your family. (sorry for my bad English,btw)

[@nkosiakinlabi3135]

What bad English?

[@jonamachado]

Same here. Do you have a Instagram with your goods or anything like that?

[@me_jt]

Paying it forward through knowledge is more valuable than anything. We'll see where this road of leather crafting takes me. Thank you, brother. God bless.

[@LittleKingGoods]

Wow thanks Jason!!!

[@erinjoy8338]

Love hearing about your journey! I’m currently collecting all the tools I need to start this craft myself because of your KZbin videos! I could watch you build stuff for hours, it’s almost therapeutic so I can’t even imagine how it’s gonna feel doing it, but I’m excited and super determined! It’s like all I can think about these days lol. Thanks for the inspiration, keep making awesome stuff!

[@LittleKingGoods]

Haha yea.. its obsessive. 😉

[@tonyruggiero7]

Love the prophetic branding. Ryan, God is rocking people through you man. You are an extremely huge encouragement to us fledgling leather workers. Dude, the goodness of God toward you and your family!! Love and prayers to you brotherman!

[@LittleKingGoods]

Haha thanks Tony! Much appreciated brother.

[@mickkeim4142]

I’m glad to hear that you are becoming successful at the trade. I on the other hand am a retired brick mason needing something to do with my hands since that is how I made my living for so many years. So for me it’s not nearly so complicated. I just find working with leather very satisfying. My goals are minimal compared to what you are doing. Projects for friends and family are the extent of it. Still there is so much to learn even if it’s just a hobby. Thanks for your concise and informative tutorials. Your videos are making it a fun and easy way to learn it as a craft. Keep up your quality videos, they really do help.

[@genecarden780]

Congratulations on the magazine cover. I’m happy to see that you haven’t lost your enthusiasm for leathercraft with what , for me, would be monotony of having to make the same project over and over again plus the whole business side of it. It’s an amazing thing when you can make a hobby into a full time business with out losing the fun and enthusiasm.Very well done video.

[@danieljohnson6684]

I know this is an older video, but am hoping you see this. Your work is truly amazing, a true craftsman. For those of us who are newer is there anyway you could show us some of your first projects. I think it would show us that everyone grows their skills and it takes time and patience. Thanks for the videos and truly love your work.

[@OscarQuant87]

Been thinking about getting into leather crafting... Your channels, ads, vids are very grasping. Thank you for going out of your way to help others in this industry brother 👍

[@LittleKingGoods]

Wow thanks for the kind words. I appreciate them!

[@craigbailey5715]

Oh man, congrats on the toque spread! Side note - That back wall is sick.

[@LittleKingGoods]

Haha Thanks! That wall was almost the death of me.

[@patrickzuva2003]

Ryan, I am getting serious about leathercraft, learning as I go, buying tools and building up something that would pass for a studio. Anyway, I have watched all your videos and have found them to be a geat guide. I also love how honest you been about your journey. I feel that's important because a lot of times crafters leave out the struggles they have gone through and people who try to follow their journeys end up being frustrated when they don't succeed as quickly as they would been led to believe. Something else that's really inspired me is your branding and marketing and how much you have invested in your equipment. I work in digital marketing and know just how much you can accomplish with it and how essential it's become that you should look to sell and promote your products and brand online. Thanks for this video and congrats on the magazine feature. Truly dope stuff.

[@thevegastouristupdate]

Great information for ANYONE wanting to go off on their own and follow their own dreams. Not just in leathercraft, but in other areas... Great stories and dreams..

[@Azartiny]

You're a master of your craft. Your videos are inspiring. I am very pleased with your success. Thank you so much for your tips in leather craft. From Kamchatka with love (Russia).

[@zackpearson3194]

dude how crazy I'm 25 and also a Licensed Electrician and looking at getting into leather craft! Love your videos, so inspiring.

[@lrmodranoel]

Your wife is the force behind the inspiration you have become to many many people. God bless you and your wife.

[@EmelyeWaldherr]

I got into leather crafting earlier this year and I just found out about a local leather worker who's throwing in the towel and selling his entire shop. What struck me is that I never heard of him before a few days ago. You mentioned how much time marketing and brand building is necessary and I suspect many crafts people are simply not geared for that kind of work. I wonder if you or any commenters here had the experience of making a partnership between a crafter and a marketer who can share in the work of publicizing a brand and then, also, the profits. For me, leather crafting will always be more of a hobby than a profession although I do want to sell some items simply to help cover the cost of materials but I think the advice in this video is spot on. Thank you!

[@LittleKingGoods]

Yea it's a great hobby. I'm sure there are people who could market your stuff. Never tried that avenue. I've always done things on my own. Keep up the hustle!

[@elizabethsalasurias9965]

Helloooo from Mexico, recently I discovered your channel, and I love how you work. I am just beginning my work of making leather bags, and it is a new and big but very beautiful world, and I also love doing things, and little by little I have adapted a room in my house as a design studio. With your videos I really appreciate the advice you give, I really don't know enough English but many of the sentences I understand. Keep up the beautiful work and thank you for your videos and give us encouragement to the ones we are starting.

[@dhanysoegieharto6982]

everything you told about branding your brand was so TRUE. Thanks for being so inspirasional. Goodluck

[@LittleKingGoods]

Thanks!!!

[@christiansamos731]

hey i went to college for three years for multimedia too- you are one of the most relatable KZbinrs I've ever seen. Thank you for being real about the business part

[@thewizdad]

Owning a crafting business 10% crafting, 90% managing a business.

[@withtiago]

I can feel the passion in your words. Good job man, good job.

[@V3leathercraft]

WOW... Thank You Man...It's such a Good Inspiration..

[@rumighazali8984]

hi guys, thank you very much for your sharing. I am in condition of transition which have to coordinate and manage everything, like develop website, production etc. your video makes me feel I am not alone on doing this thing, and the hardest part of this is branding, make everything looks attractive to the prospect customers, build community around the product. greeting from Indonesia, once again, thanks Man!

[@halenray]

Hey man, I just want to say that I have listened to this piece a couple of times now and feel like you have totally reached me! First off, I love your story so far! When we follow our passion, our work is never really work ;) I am a flow arts prop maker who felt a drop in general sales due to covid and, thus began to diversify my art to include some leather work for custom costume pieces. I am very much still at the beginning of this journey and so really resonate with what you are saying about assessing if "you fit the life of a leather worker" and love how you stress the need for asolid brand identity, selling an eye catching and relatable life style! I often find myself stressing to get images of my work out there, even if they aren't of really great quality, vbut now /i am totally re-looking at this from an outsiders perspective and feel like I can do muuuch better! Thank you for sharing your tips, time and energy. I have enjoyed watching the evolution of your work and work environment. Love from a subscriber in Cape Town, South Africa!

[@UriValdez]

Im in the process of transitioning from a toxic full time job, to fully devote myself to my business and being a maker. Im very excited and driven, I know that is a lot of hard work and Im ready to do it. Thanks for posting this video, you’re an inspiration Ryan!

[@ImRobPi]

Random question: Have you ever thought about trying to make sunglass cases?

[@LittleKingGoods]

Yup! Made a few prototypes. Nothing too crazy.

[@lukelarsson]

Thanks for this. I’ve been chugging away at working with leather for about 10 months now. I finally found something that I love to do.

[@Creative7inc]

If there is a will, then there's a way!

[@lauraweiss7875]

Your advice, especially with regard to marketing, is dead on. So many makers think that their work product quality will sell itself. As for me, I have a fantastic job p, and I make my leather goods on the side (mostly as gifts for friends and family). Eventually, I may make the switch to selling my work. So nice to see folks with talent and drive being able to support their family while pursuing their dream. Best of luck to you!

[@LittleKingGoods]

I'm so glad you like your work! That's so important. Good luck on the future plans!

[@josecanedo4804]

Thank you for making this video. It's more motivation to see what others have done to get to a point where they can take care of their family doing something they like. I've been In retail most of my life and I'm tired of working with stress and bend over backwards for someone that doesn't care if you are able to feed your family just because you're not taking care of their needs.

[@airnashville3883]

Interesting video but, I do have a few questions: 1) Did you have to compensate Toque in any way to get into the magazine? 2) Are you making a living off your leather goods or more from your youtube channel? 3) Are you still into leather with the gusto you initially described or have you become more captivated by the media/videographic aspects of the craft? Your channel reminds me very much of another on youtube that started out as a leather crafter and has now off loaded all production to a company and has become a fulltime marketeer.

[@tclodfelter8789]

I just ran across your video... have no idea how it popped up... but I'm glad it did! It seems like you are solidly grounded... your workmanship will speak for itself!

[@caide]

Wow! I was an electrician too and the factory went down, where I worked. I was also happy. I had same thing on my mind, now I can do anything I want! I started cool school about advertise planning and now I am working in marketing, I'm also photographer and doing knifes and leather stuff. I couldn't be happier.

[@Lea-ww9hf]

The best thing of this video is that you can apply it to any business. Thank you!

[@seowithkm]

SEO Guy here. Really loved your Story. I am in the phase of launching my own Leather bag brand. I have to work on the Branding part more!! after watching this.

[@LittleKingGoods]

Best of luck!

[@PRAKASH-cm1vo]

Iam an Indian . I have been working as a Freelancer Artist in Dubai since 2007 . Iam planning to go back to India and start a small scale business like leather crafting with my Painting and Calligraphy. Its my pleasure to hear your wonderful inspiration Sir . Really it was a nice experience. I already subscribed. Thank you very much. Keep in touch.

[@sturnz7537]

Came across your video. While watching this one I found out we come from the same background in design which I thought was cool. No idea how leather working videos made it into my recommended but I am now hooked and looking at buying tools and getting started. Instead of buying my wife expensive bags, I want to learn how to make them. Looking forward to many more of your videos.

[@nkosiakinlabi3135]

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to educate us on the ins and outs of the business. You and the information are greatly appreciated.

[@MarcoNoPolo]

Thank you so much for sharing your skill and knowledge with all of us. I really like your aesthetic and how meticulous you are with your work.

[@LittleKingGoods]

Thanks so much!!

[@Magicguy33]

You’re the man! Keep at it and kick butt!!!

[@darcostoianov186]

One of your videos pop up on my channel a monta ago. I was Alone at home, my wife was in hospital and i needed something to hold in. I started leathercrafting and this is the Best thing that happen to me. Thanks for sharring the awesome work man. PS. My wife is ok now 😁

[@nusaibahibraheem8183]

Thank you for clarifying what support really means, coz some people think it is just those people that will constantly tell you how good you are. We don't realize our true supporters sometimes. People who can be critical, can make suggestions which actually help more than all those people telling you "I believe in you" "am so happy for you" blah blah blah with a big fake smile.

[@AnvilandScribe]

Every few months I refer back to this video for inspiration and motivation.

[@LittleKingGoods]

Glad it’s of some help!

[@vaselinepro468]

This video you made really resonates with me. I live in Saskatchewan, just got my journeyman electrician ticket, and find myself laid off at the end of all of it. I feel like i am very similar to you in the fact that I have a desire to create and make things with my hands. I have just started leather craft thanks to your videos and am really hoping if nothing else to have a creative outlet to share with others. Thanks for the great content you are putting out and keep lifting up the closeted creators. from a fellow Canadian, cheers eh!

[@anabda16]

hi! I'm a nurse, I love my job, but I would love to do leathercraft as a full time job. After this video I believe I can achieve that! Together with my husband. We both love it :) Greatings from Poland !

[@eccomi21]

How is it going for you?

[@eduiulisesarroyo923]

Man i just finished My university, got an international business degree, but, ive been making leather goods too since 4 years ago, i make bags, belts, shoes, all handmade & i just found your video and that happended with me too. Cant see me sitting in an office in front of a computer working on business things, good money as you said but i need to wake up in the morning and get into the lesther shop, that leather smell thats make me happy!

[@ecksluss]

This speaks to me. I'm an electrician apprentice and just got fired from a contractor because I had some health issues come up and missed too much work. And the union hall has ghosted me about another job assignment. I've always been interested in leather craft and would love to get into it.

[@danpost4755]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and story. I love your channel and content .

[@preppyfriday]

This video was very motivating. Thank you for taking the time to make it. 👍👍👍🏻👍🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏽👍🏽👍🏾👍🏾👍🏿👍🏿

[@michajastrzebski4383]

supports family with his work, mentors online. "im not a professional". Id say you are, indeed, good sir :)

[@isahferncrochet]

Thank you.

[@journeyman4328]

The golden handcuffs are the hardest to break free of.

[@LittleKingGoods]

True story.

[@thebeardedunderdog829]

Nice one Ryan! Lots of great, honest and helpful advice here for everyone. Happy to have been following your journey for a good long time. Miss you not being on IG live for a good long time, but I'm quite sure you are so busy with everything. Happy to see!

[@TheDonnaAnn]

Wow! Thank you so much! The timing of this video couldn't have been any more apt! The info you shared is invaluable to me. You're a star in my book and I always look forward to your videos! Xx

[@milanmihajlovic3021]

Just wanted to know, thanks for sharing all that knowledge and expirience.. Keep doing great job.. I love your videos.

[@funeducation9407]

You are great inspiration for me. Today i am starting leather craft carrier.

[@ChaseFickett]

The beauty of this video is that it can be applied to anything in life. I’ve been really enjoying your videos and learning about leathercraft and thinking about taking it on as a hobby. But these key points can be applied to anything you want to do in life, not just leathercraft. Drive, focus, dedication, determination, patience, and a healthy balance of obsession are all necessary qualities one must have in order to be successful in your preferred craft. Finding that strong support network is also very key. I’ve always dreamt of being a successful recording artist. I am a recording artist, but I do not really define myself as successful. My primary source of income is in software testing, and that pays the bills. I’m currently in the boat you were in, doing the same thing day in day out, losing sense of my creative nature. I’m really glad I got to see this video because it’s giving me hope and motivation that I can do what I really want to do in life. This video may have been geared towards leathercraft specifically, but your wisdom in building and maintaining a brand has really connected with me. Thank you very much!

[@LittleKingGoods]

Thanks man, I appreciate your story thus far. I’d like you to listen to this. It was definitely on my heart this past year. What is success defined as? kzbin.info/www/bejne/baeVXmhjmLCFeLM

[@vortex514]

Thank you for the information sir. It gave me a lot to think about. Especially since I'm hoping to at least have a small shop someday when I feel confident enough in my abilities.

[@LittleKingGoods]

Keep it up!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Such an important message because there is so much that goes on behind the scenes. Well done on making the cover for Toque.

[@Regina.Clarke]

I love what you’ve done with this channel. As for wholesaling, you could do a made for wholesale line. Essentially finding specific products that could work for that model. Maybe it has less trim or less stitches (ie designed into that model). Just a thought for your listeners and maybe you if you haven’t thought about this. Thanks again for sharing your work!

[@dmdunn]

Hey Ryan, Great video, thank you. I had a friend that was a very good wheel thrown potter, but when she tried to make a full time job of it she found that she didn't like production pottery. What is it like to make the transition from hobby to production leatherwork? How did you (or are doing) scale up to bigger production levels and still enjoy it?

[@ChrisRestrepo]

Hey thanks, I am from Colombia 🇨🇴 I really enjoy your videos.

[@estebanponce2099]

Definitely you words are inspiring. Also, thanks you for sharing part of your experience and as you said in your video not to have the same mistakes and to learn from you. Thank you for sharing it. Seriously, who acts for good receives much more for good. I've been seriously thinking in starting leather crafting cause I love leather I will follow every single word you say. Last time, thank you very much !!

[@roseleathercraftsph]

Thanks for sharing Ryan. I do agree on the points you said here - but really leather crafting as a business is challenging. I started mine 2 years ago and it's my full time job. And yes you just have to push through and believe that you will succeed. It involves a lot of time and investment, and specially hardwork. There's no easy path.

[@LittleKingGoods]

I absolutely agree it's challenging. 100%!

[@roseleathercraftsph]

@@LittleKingGoods continue to be an inspiration to us sir!

[@douglidz2944]

Excellent video, the information you provide in this video is so applicable to anyone trying to start a business not just leather crafting. Great job! And your work is beautiful by the way.

[@jehrad0]

Reading the comments, I see a few others that have connected with this video as I have. I felt like this video was made for me. I’m a full time mechanic and feel the same about losing touch with my creative side. Your channel has helped me in more ways than just tutorials. So thank you for that. This video was incredibly important and I appreciate that you made it.

[@markfilippone3845]

You have/possess a very good presentation. Your nature is kind and personal. Your videography, especially the layouts, colours, hues, shadowings and lighting balance, is excellent. Carry on.

[@lupeleather]

Hey Ryan, another great video. Congrats on the mag cover! You are an inspiration to a lot of people. I personally am trying to get setup to go full time, so your videos are very helpful. Thanks, Peter

[@LittleKingGoods]

Nice!!

[@Rinssi_from_Finland]

For almost two years I have been wanting to start online store. I have tried few things for it but so far nothing has worked. Watching your videos makes me want to try leathercraft. Maybe there would be something I could sell online? It would be a hobby - at least to begin with for a long time.

[@muhammadibrahimali673]

May you find success and prosperity in up future endeavors

[@jadebethj4807]

I got laid off when I was 15 weeks pregnant last year. I feel you, I was so relieved-and ended up on bedrest anyway. Now I’m making journals by hand but I want to go into using real leather.

[@jesusloveyouverymuch]

You’re my absolute favorite person to watch on here watching you leathercraft is so relaxing

[@blinxunruly6700]

Thank you for this video. I picked up a piece of leather a few days ago and I’m in love with it. I suck right now lol but I really love this craft. I’ve been using cynic for a few years now and finally found what I love.

[@waleedjacobs]

Greeting good Sir. Thank you very much for this amazing content and wisdom. i am trying to get started as well. only recently started about a month ago and really loving the craft. i am doing it with my daughters and it really bringing us closer and the time spent with them is priceless. and we are learning together. i will share some of my products progress to you soon if you have the time to constructively criticize them. i don't take offense to any feedback and would love to keep in touch with you. have a wonderful day further and greetings from me and my family in South Africa. Cheers Waleed

[@eccomi21]

The thing that got me into leather crafting was the fact that products online just don't suit my needs. So I opted to make them myself. I was lucky enough to buy my wallet and keypouch at a local market years back, ignoring the brand, instead feeling the quality. If you can pull at a stitch line and notice how tight it sits and how well it is sown together, how the edges are finished etc, that's something you can only get with an online product once you already bought it.

[@outbackinteriors7656]

Excellent advise

[@Jair208723]

Thank you so much Bro for your videos. You are a great inspiration for me. I'm from Costa Rica, the most difficult thing here is to get tools and some materials, but with passion everything is possible. Thank you so much again Bro, and God bless you, you and your family.

[@eliasguz4]

You continue to inspire me.

[@alexandersupertramp4097]

Really inspiring. Sending you many thanks. Keep going

[@vitalyborisenko659]

You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing all the information! You deserve that front cover and many more!👍👍👍

[@ivanmilanov4267]

This video is priceless... :) I literally wrote 2 sheets on my notebook with notes. Thank you!

[@beindianfirst141]

First of all congratulations for the cover page, that's the result of your hard work and dedication. Also a big thumbs up to your wife for encouraging you... All the best

[@bach211685]

You are the real deal Ryan. Quite inspiring and authentic.

[@brettcashmeredesigns688]

Love the brand you have created and the quality of your work. As a Graphic Designer myself I am a huge fan of what you have done and your logo mark is great. I would be interested to hear about how you can up with your brand name and logo. Keep up the great work! You have inspired me to take up leather working as a new hobby in my spare time.

[@thenkk4914]

I've been doing leather craft since I was 18, ive loved it but with work I'm getting too exhausted to work on leather. I hate the exhaustion, but my great aunt out of nowhere recently bought me a leather sewing machine, once I go to pick it up I'm hoping to get the energy back to get back into it.

[@jadebethj4807]

My guy is supportive just like your wife. He was the one that took me to buy my first materials and was like you can do this!

[@lynsmith2698]

Congrats, you deserve it...your work is incredible.

[@Korschtal]

Thanks for this: it is helping in my own situation: I'm a cabinet maker and Occupational Therapist, trained to help people with Psychological issues to develop and help them live fulfilling lives by giving them meaningful work in a protected work environment. I've noticed a gap in the market of clients who are intelligent and creative but have a serious disability such as depression or PTSD: Most protected workshops in Germany are generalised and it can be hard for these people to fit in to the noisy and chaotic environment they provide. I'd like to start a small art and craft based business, initially in jewellery and leather work to provide a balance between routine work, which brings security, and creative opportunities, in a relatively quiet, small scale environment. Right now I'm working in a protected workshop in a larger organisation, in this case a protected workshop, to get experience in a business and balancing the needs of clients with the contractors and customers we work with. Still not entirely sure how to make the next step in a German context, but this has been really encouraging, especially as I don't really want to stay working in a larger organisation.

[@LittleKingGoods]

That’s amazing man. Keep it up! My wife is from Germany and I always dream of taking Little King Goods to Germany one day. Keep fighting the good fight!

[@satriobiangkerok]

i had much the same. quit a job, and be full time leather craft.. i learnt so much from you dude, keep it on 🤘

[@mohdakirjokey7964]

You are a good motivator bro.

[@Handfeature]

You are my inspiration, almost same story for me also I was also electrician before, and huge struggle then now I started my business 1 years past. I am also selling my product only through online in India and out of India also.

[@miodragstojiljkovic3706]

Hey man ! I hope you're aware that your channel is about to BLOW UP ! Also, thank you for "Getting started in LEATHERCRAFT" videos. That means a lot !

[@Laayoh]

This is really insightful and can apply to anyone looking to build their own business. Thank you!

[@АлександрБалицкий-ъ4ф]

Good afternoon! I was taught English at school. In the future, I did not study the language. So from just video understood perhaps 10%) But watched until the end of. Your work is magnificent! Keep shooting new videos. Watching you is a pleasure.

[@unfoundleather5097]

Love it Ryan. Very inspirational

[@LittleKingGoods]

ThanksA

[@alfredohernandez8696]

Thank you. I was really hoping someone to talk about this topic and provide a glance about how it is to make this work as a full-time career. Hope you make more videos about the problems you faced when you started this journey or one of your greatest milestones in your business.

[@hadiakbarkargili637]

You are already subscribed, You are really a great personality and a great human being my brother, stay blessed and all the best love from Pakistan

[@wickedwilz]

Peter sent me here and a friend also wants to start a leather crafting business. I'll him this video! never thought leather needs a 20tons press! that's massive... love that olive front pocket wallet send it here in Philippines! 😂 🇵🇭 half way around the world.

[@rickkimball4351]

congratulations on the cover and article