Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Myers
Hi Benjamin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In late 2020, I stumbled into the world of leathercrafting purely out of boredom. Just two weeks after joining a jiu-jitsu gym, it was forced to shut down due to the pandemic mandates, leaving me restless and searching for something to fill my time. One evening, while aimlessly browsing YouTube, I came across a leathercrafter’s tutorial on making a simple leather wallet. One video turned into twenty, and before I knew it, I was hooked.
But my real motivation wasn’t just about learning a new craft—it was about making something personal. For years, I had admired a beautiful leather quiver, handcrafted by an older gentleman in the Midwest. When I finally decided to buy one, I looked him up, only to discover that he had passed away. At that moment, I realized that if I ever wanted to own that quiver, I’d have to make it myself.
Determined, I started small. I ordered a beginner’s leathercraft kit online and made my first trip to Tandy Leather, picking out my very first hide. Instead of the quiver, my first project ended up being a knife sheath—and from the moment I finished it, I was hooked. What started as a simple interest quickly became an obsession. I devoured every tutorial I could find, experimenting with different types of leather, stitching techniques, and designs.
At first, my focus was purely on outdoor gear—knife sheaths, quivers, packs—but over time, my passion evolved. I began crafting accessories like wallets, bags, and other leather goods, each piece a reflection of my journey and growing skill.
Now, four years later, my love for leathercrafting is stronger than ever. Each piece I create is not just an object but a story—a testament to patience, craftsmanship, and the beauty of working with my hands. You can find my work on display at Andrew Myers Art Gallery in Laguna Beach or locally at Brick n Barn. You can find my full portfolio of work at buckeyeleather.com.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While leathercrafting hasn’t replaced my full-time job, keeping it as a part-time business and passion project has given me the freedom to create on my own terms. I can focus on crafting pieces that truly inspire me, rather than feeling pressured to mass-produce.
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was mastering the art of hand-stitching. Achieving the perfect stitch—one that is both durable and aesthetically flawless—was far more difficult than I expected. I spent months experimenting, making mistakes, and searching for answers, often feeling like I was chasing perfection without a clear roadmap. But through relentless practice, trial and error, and learning from experienced artisans, I finally cracked the code. That struggle ultimately made me a better craftsman, reinforcing the importance of patience and precision in everything I create.
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?
For the past 18 years, I’ve worked as a designer, navigating the worlds of branding, startups, the auto show industry, and now Intuit. But one thing I’ve realized over time is that I no longer want to sit in front of a screen all day—I’d rather be creating something tangible with my hands.
Beyond leathercrafting, I’m passionate about drawing, building, photography, writing music, cooking, and gardening—anything that allows me to bring ideas to life in a physical form. Interior design is another creative outlet I love, and I was fortunate enough to have our home featured in Home & Garden.
When it comes to my work, whether I’m in the kitchen or the leather shop, my goal is simple: to have fun creating. I don’t get attached to any one project for too long—I’m usually most proud of my latest creation… until I make something even better.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ll be the first to admit—I’m a terrible networker, so I won’t be dishing out any advice on that front. When I first started, I actively searched for local artisans to learn from, but I kept coming up empty. Instead, my greatest mentor became YouTube, and I’m incredibly grateful to the countless crafters who took the time to film, edit, and share their expertise with the world.
For anyone lucky enough to be surrounded by artisans they admire, don’t hesitate to reach out—ask about an internship, offer to help, or simply observe and absorb as much as you can. There’s no substitute for hands-on learning, and being around skilled craftsmen is one of the best ways to grow.
Pricing:
- Wallets start at $65
- Leather totes start at $200
- High end hand stitched bags and purses start at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Buckeyeleather.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/buckeyeleather
Image Credits
Benjamin Myers
