We recently connected with Don Jackson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Don thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission is to create art. The concept of art is subjective. We might not agree on what is art or what is artistic. However, we can agree that art makes us feel good. I’m creating things that make my clients feel good because it is art they helped to create.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
My name is Donovan Jackson, but I go by Don. I’m 33 and originally from Long Island, New York. I currently live in Marietta, Georgia. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Troy University.
From 2014-2017, I lived in Washington D.C.; While working as a Media Relations Director, I began to develop a love for working with my hands. I’ve always felt that creating things from scratch allows you to develop an attachment to them like no other. Initially, I would paint after work and tinker with old computers, but then, I picked up a leatherworking hobby in early 2015, as I wanted to create my wallet and watch straps since I couldn’t afford the ones I wanted.
I had a Timberland wallet falling apart after two months of use. I figured I could make one that was more durable out of alligator leather with the watch straps to match, so I did. Countless hours were spent on YouTube learning the trade, thousands of dollars were spent purchasing tools and hundreds of dollars were spent on scrap leather pieces, exotic leather remnants and different wallet patterns.
My first few pieces were horrible, now that I look back at them, but at the time, they were the best-looking wallets in the world. I felt incredibly proud of myself because each piece was something that I created and they worked. Cash and cards went in and they sat comfortably in my pocket.
One day, a coworker was admiring my wallet and, after a compliment, asked me to make him one; that was the day my new life started. The business began to snowball. I couldn’t keep up with the orders as I was still working as the Media Relations Manager for the American Retirement Association. The business still didn’t have a name yet, so I wanted to name it something that sounded prestigious. I chose Smith and Lee Handmade. Smith is my mother’s maiden name, and Lee is my middle name. I think it sounds like a law firm, but I’m okay with that.
In 2017, a PR agency in Marietta, GA, offered me a job. The pay was great, so I left D.C. for Smyrna, GA. I had visited the Atlanta area many times, so I was already familiar with the area. Once I got here, I began making wallets for my coworkers at the Agency.
Things changed for me when a friend requested that I make her a lighter sleeve using canvas from a designer bag that she no longer used. I did not initially accept it because the monogram on designer bags is not actual leather. Its canvas coated in a special plastic. However, my life changed overnight after I became familiar with working with the designer canvas. My coworkers began to show their friends and family and the orders started to pile up. The main orders were upcycled designer watch straps for Apple and Samsung watches, followed by upcycled wallets. Giving clients the ability to choose their thread, leather, edge paint and hardware colors was something many of them had never experienced. Each piece I create for clients is unique to them and their personalities. The colors are meaningful to each individual. I love providing this service; it’s like we are creating art together.
As I continue to customize, I want people to know this isn’t about money but art. When you tell me, either through my website or Instagram, how you want your item made, I feel good knowing that we are creating art together.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
From the start and to this day, my business is self-funded. It is not easy; however, because I am only a small-scale atelier, I did not need much money to start. I maxed out two credit cards to purchase my initial equipment and leather and I would pay that down using the money earned from sales. I still practice this.
Yes, I know there are better ways to fund a business, however, this is the route I chose and will be on for a while.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Word of mouth has helped build my business tremendously. I always ask clients to please share my work with their friends and family. I can not afford any big-time advertisements outside of Instagram and Facebook, so simply showing someone what I made for you is a big help!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smithandleehandmade.com
- Instagram: Smithleehandmade