We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abram Castellanos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Abram, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I actually get asked this question a lot. My kids came up with it. They said I like to tinker with things. I’ve had lots of hobbies some stuck with me and most didn’t. Leathercraft was one of those hobbies that stuck and became my full time job.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Abram Castellanos. Leather craft for me started by just watching videos while I was recovering from surgery. I never thought it would speak to me like it did. I quickly became obsessed with everything leather. I make small leather goods like bags, wallets, journals etc… because that’s what I’m most interested in. I make what I like because that’s what I know I’m going to put my heart into. I do what I love and hope that others will love it too. I make products that will last a lifetime, maybe even several lifetimes. If it’s not up to my standards then I won’t sell it. When you call my company your going to talk to me, when you receive my items you know that I’m the one that made them. When I decide about what I’m going to make it has to meet certain criteria. They are all equally important. It has to look timeless. I don’t follow trends. 100 years from now my products will still look good. The next criteria is that they have to be constructed to last forever and repairable if ever necessary. Can it be deconstructed without destroying it? I don’t make throw items. Tinkerman Leatherworks goods are going to last very long time, but if it ever does need to be repaired, it can be done. If not by me ( I fully expect my leather goods to outlive me) then by any competent leather crafter. The last criteria is that it has to be made with the highest quality materials. The materials have to match the craftsmanship. My brand is for people that want high quality goods that look good and are made from sustainable materials with zero compromise in quality.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Making the best quality products I can. Repeat customers and word of mouth are very important to my business. I’m not savvy in social media or advertising. I’m sure there are more effective ways but my biggest sales drivers are my products. I let them speak for themselves. When someone holds one of my products its going to wow them. If your holding a Tinkerman Leatherworks wallet, it’s going to be like no other wallet you have ever held.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I get out there in front of customers every weekend. I sell at local farmers markets. Customers can talk to me face to face. I am trying to grow my online business but I understand that face to face customer interaction in necessary for my success. No matter how much my business grows I will always be out there I’m front of my customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tinkermanleatherworks.com/
• Instagram: @tinkermanleatherworks
• Facebook: tinkerman leatherworks

Image Credits
Octavio Gonzalez photography