Today we’d like to introduce you to Josiah Hanson
Hi Josiah , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hanson Leather Co. began with a simple challenge from a friend—to make myself a leather belt. With a little guidance, I did just that. From that moment on, I was hooked, creating anything I could from leather. Not long after marrying my wife, Brianna, I crafted her first leather bag. Over the next few months, she received countless compliments on it—one of which led us to our very first market. That experience was the spark that turned our passion into a business. We were both amazed by the response from those who visited our booth. Bags and small goods sold quickly, setting us on this incredible journey of building Hanson Leather Co.
As our business evolved, we began to find our unique voice. Quality has always been our top priority, driving us to carefully source the best leather and hardware available to us. We put great effort into ensuring every piece reflects our commitment to craftsmanship.
Today, we strive to design and craft leather bags for the aspiring minimalist—those who appreciate the finer things and are drawn to a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think I’ve ever met a small business owner who would call the business journey a smooth road. I’ve always believed that running a business comes with the highest highs and the lowest lows, but both offer valuable lessons. For a while, markets were our only source of income, and any online sales came solely through Instagram—looking back, that feels kind of wild. Then, when COVID hit, all of our markets were canceled, many of which we had already paid for. It was a tough time, but it pushed us to pivot and finally do something we had long put off—building our first website. That period was challenging and unpredictable, but in many ways, it pushed our business forward in areas we never expected.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Brianna and I are a team in every aspect of this business. Many of our designs originate from her, while I handle all production and prototyping of new concepts. Though we offer small goods on our website, our primary focus is bags.
We believe our work stands out in a few key ways, starting with our choice of leather. We use vegetable-tanned leather, a material processed with natural tannins rather than harsh chemicals. This method is far less common, with only about 10% of all leather being vegetable-tanned. Another distinct characteristic of this leather is its natural rigidity, which gives our bags a more structured and refined shape.
We both have a deep appreciation for a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic and strive to reflect that in every design. As we create new bags, our goal is to ensure they fit seamlessly into a cohesive collection. We want our pieces to be instantly recognizable as Hanson Leather bags—distinct and timeless, rather than blending into the crowd of high-street fashion or designer labels
What makes us most proud is seeing our bags out in the world—whether through tagged photos or in person—still going strong after years of use, some even eight years later. Every time we come across one of our well-loved pieces, it reaffirms that the effort we put into quality and attention to detail is truly worth it.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
We draw a great deal of inspiration from people who are at the peak of their craft—those who obsess over the smallest details. Thoughtful, intelligent, and beautiful design has always been a driving force for us. The Local Project YouTube channel and publication, which showcases stunning architecture and homes around the world, has been especially influential. We envision our bags seamlessly fitting into these spaces or being carried by those who appreciate the same level of craftsmanship and design.
Photography was a passion of mine long before I discovered leathercraft, and it has proven invaluable over the years. I’ve always admired and drawn inspiration from talented photographers whose work I’ve followed for a long time. Some of my favorites include Benjamin Hardman, Alex Strohl, Samuel Elkins, Joe Greer, and Garrett King. Their ability to capture mood, detail, and storytelling continues to inspire me in both photography and design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hansonleatherco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansonleatherco/
