Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Mazzanti
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
9crafted Leather Company was born from making heartfelt gifts to those I admired most, which ultimately led to my slogan: “Leatherwork, from the heart.” I officially launched the business in January 2020 and hit the ground running. Watching my craft transform over the last few years has been a remarkable journey, and I have shaped my business into something I am incredibly proud of. My primary goal is to create handmade leather goods for people who genuinely appreciate quality and art, for use in their everyday lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The truth is, I’ve made more mistakes than I can count, both in business and the craft. Owning my own business wasn’t always a dream, so while I wanted to create cool things out of leather, learning about legalities, taxes, and bookkeeping was quite daunting at times. Leatherwork itself has its own set of challenges because it’s mostly a one-shot deal from start to finish. It can be quite heartbreaking to spend 10 or 15 hours making something, only to have a last-minute mistake send the whole thing to the trash bin. Every failure is a lesson learned and an opportunity to grow. I just take each day as it comes and do my very best. If you meet anyone who knows me well, they can tell you I do things with my whole heart.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make mostly custom leather goods taylored to each customers ideas. I really enjoy the art of western floral tooling and I try to incorporate that with a modern influence. I make a lot of the standard items like belts and wallets but I also make a lot of feminine things like ladies handbags. Leather is such an incredible medium and there is art always present from both the beauty of a well made product, but also being able to to sculpt it into a timeless piece. I am a gravedigger by trade and a leatherworker by night, so attention to detail comes naturally to me and I strive to bring someone’s vision to life in a meaningful way.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In every business, mistakes are inevitable. Risk is always present, even in the smallest decisions. Leatherwork is especially abundant in risk. Each item must be completed from start to finish with minimal error on a medium that presents infinite variables. The reward comes when someone receives their item and truly loves what you have made just for them. There is no greater joy for a maker than to have their work well received.
Pricing:
- I do mostly custom work, so each item is priced according to the customers needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://9crafted.com
- Instagram: @9crafted
