Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Curry

Hi Jeff, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My story began in high school when my mother taught me how to use a sewing machine. I was always creating something and selling my creations to friends. In my early 20s, I partnered with a friend to start my first business—a design studio where we crafted our own samples and sent them to manufacturers for production. I found great joy in creating functional products, and this eventually led me to working with leather. Through continuous practice and refinement of my techniques, I developed wallets I was truly proud of. After years of honing my craft, I finally took the leap to sell my wallets outside of friends and family turned it into a full time job.

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?

My journey, like that of many small business owners, has been filled with growing pains. Each time I mastered a skill, I would invest in new machinery or adjust my production process to expand my product line, forcing me to start learning from scratch. Recently, I faced this challenge again when I purchased a new machine with which I had no prior experience. While troubleshooting new equipment can be extremely frustrating, I find that these challenges also foster growth. Learning something new always presents a challenge, but it’s one that I enjoy overcoming. It is always easy to stay in your comfort zones and I like to go beyond what I am comfortable with to carve my own unique path. Those bumps in the road are usually madening when you experience them but feel so good to get to the other side. Pushing beyond is part of any success story and I always aim to land on the other side.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

In the leather craft world, my specialty lies in designing and making wallets. I’m known for my dedication to sourcing all materials within the US and for the meticulous craftsmanship of each piece. My collection features unique, creative takes on this traditional craft, and I proudly offer a lifetime warranty on every wallet. Additionally, I provide free monogramming and include my own formula of leather balm with each purchase. When you buy a wallet from me, you get an experience reminiscent of the old days when products were truly built to last.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

The COVID-19 crisis taught me the invaluable lesson of staying agile and being open to rapid change. Similar to the major shifts we saw in the business world in the 2000s with the rise of the internet and e-commerce, those who didn’t adapt were left behind. Embracing change as a constant keeps my focus on the future and ensures I’m always ready to evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darkforestusa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkforestusa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkforestUSA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfexB6ebkthdItgcKUE4ERA