Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Mcdonough.
Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started creating handbags because I couldn’t find a bag that met my needs. I wanted something sleek and stylish, but durable enough for everyday use—something that wouldn’t fall apart after a few months, like many trendy fast-fashion bags, but also didn’t carry the hefty price tag or brand logos that come with designer pieces. That’s when I was first introduced to leatherworking. I’ve always been curious about different art forms, and I was drawn to the craftsmanship and possibilities that leather offered. At the time, I was working full-time as a residential counselor and exploring metalworking, but when I discovered a leather supply store near my home, I decided to give it a try. I picked up a few small hides, some basic tools, and started making bags just for myself. My first attempts were rough, a true trial-and-error process, but I was immediately hooked! The idea of making something both beautiful and functional, something that could last and age with character, fascinated me. Over time, as my skills improved and my bags became more refined, friends and family started asking for custom pieces. This growing interest eventually encouraged me to transition from a hobby to a part-time business. About five years ago, after moving to St. Louis with my partner, I took the leap and decided to focus on my craft full-time, embracing the opportunity to grow my business and reach a wider audience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been challenges in running a small business. The shift from being a leatherworking hobbyist to doing this full-time didn’t happen overnight. For a long time, I juggled different jobs while building up my skills and working on the business whenever I could. In 2020, my partner and I moved from Massachusetts to St. Louis for his job—right in the middle of the pandemic. It was a strange and uncertain time, and with most craft fairs and in-person markets on hold, getting my footing in a new city wasn’t easy. Still, I found ways to adapt. A few local shops picked up my products, and I started selling at outdoor farmer’s markets. Eventually, I opened my own studio and storefront on Cherokee Street, which has been such a meaningful milestone.
I really love the leatherworking business I’ve built—it’s creative, fulfilling, and something I’ve shaped entirely on my own. That said, I do miss parts of the work I used to do. Before this, I was a rape crisis counselor and an advocate for girls in a youth home. I worked with young women navigating trauma, instability, and systems that often didn’t serve them. It was emotionally heavy work, but deeply purposeful and close to my family, home, and heart. When I switched to leatherworking, I hoped to find a way to blend creativity with empowerment, especially for young girls. While there have been moments where that intention has shown up, I haven’t yet created the kind of connection I imagined.
I’m not sure exactly what it will look like, but I know I want to find a way to reconnect with that part of myself—whether it’s through mentorship, community work, or weaving more advocacy into my creative practice. It still feels like something I’m meant to return to.
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?
In short, I use time-honored leatherworking techniques to create bags that fit the modern lifestyle. Each leather bag I make is crafted with intention, and I really enjoy working with customers to craft pieces that reflect their personal style. Every piece you see in the store or online can also be customized to your preferences—whether it’s a new color, an added pocket, or even your initials stamped on the leather! I think this customization process makes each item even more personal and unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hollis-leather.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollis_leather/?hl=en
