Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Nilsson
Hi Dena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Deetra Custom Leather started in Duluth, MN almost 9 years ago. It all began in the back of a dry cleaning business with a table, a sewing machine and a dream.
Thru the years, I had noticed that there was a huge gap in available clothing for women who didn’t fit the typical dimensions and sizes. Especially in leather riding gear. Whether it be a horse or a motorcycle, every woman deserves to have that “perfect” fitting vest or “perfect” fitting jacket. I couldn’t find anywhere online that did affordable custom clothing. So I took it upon myself to fill that gap!!
I had about one year of sewing experience when I started working with leather. I tell ya, it is NOTHING like sewing with fabric! I had experience with doing clothing alterations and started there. Thru trial and error, I learned how to tailor leather garments and eventually developed my own patterns. I think my basic women’s vest pattern went thru 6 revisions. Those first couple years were frustrating and empowering. My dedication paid off when I created the perfect patterns that can be easily amended for every body type.
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?
Smooth road? Oh no. There is a huge learning curve when teaching yourself a new skill. However, I would say the biggest hurdle has been educating the public about available and locally made custom leather and textile clothing. Each event or show I do, I personally greet each person that enters my booth and share with them that I made everything they see, not imported from some other country or mass produced for cookie cutter sizing and designs.
EXAMPLE. to purchase a leather vest, let’s say, we would hop online and look for the nearest clothing store that may offer leather vests. We go to the store. Try on different sizes, with the hope that one will fit us perfectly. Or at least as flattering as possible. So many of us leave those stores feeling underwhelmed. Disappointed. Frustrated. Where can we find something unique that’s fits OUR body shape?
So to go back to the question, my garments are created uniquely for each person. YOU get to design it! I ensure the perfect fit and flair that you want and deserve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from using only premium leather for my custom clothing, I love using other materials that traditionally aren’t used on clothing. I embellish my vests and jackets with hair on cowhide. Crocodile. Python. Ostrich leg! Off the beaten path fur such as skunk and also use ermine, Russian Lynx, beaver, and fox. I LOVE making clothing out of deerhide and elk. Almost every vest I make for a customer is one of a kind.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
As of right now, I am the only place in Minnesota that does what I do. I consider myself a seamstress. Who happens to create with leather. And I tailor to men and women of all body sizes and shapes.
Premium items at an affordable cost.
The shift? The economy has changed so much over the past couple years. Money is tight for so many who use to be able to purchase items that aren’t necessities. So I’ve had to adapt and roll with the flow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Deetracustomleather.com
