We were lucky to catch up with Jeff Curry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I have a long history of embracing risks in my life. As a former professional skier, I endured numerous bone-breaking injuries without even recalling their exact count. During one unfortunate injury that confined me to the couch for months, I chose to utilize my spare time constructively by working towards establishing my own company.
Amid the darkness of that period, I made a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects, leading me to conceive the idea of the lantern logo. This symbol served as a reminder to always seek the light, even during challenging times. Subsequently, I embarked on one of the most significant risks of my life: leaving my job to fully pursue a career in leather crafting. The prospect of supporting myself solely through the sale of leather goods was undeniably daunting.
However, drawing on my past experiences of attempting daring ski tricks, I reminded myself that I often managed to land on my feet. Of course, there were a few crashes that sent me to the hospital, but these setbacks didn’t deter me. I have always believed that if one avoids taking risks, they’ll forever wonder about the potential outcomes of missed opportunities. Refusing to be plagued by such regrets, I was determined to try.
Now, I am proud to say that I have my own thriving workshop, countless satisfied customers, and an unwavering commitment to creating products that hold profound meaning in the lives of many. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of embracing risks, and I am grateful for the fulfillment and success that came from taking the leap.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
From a young age, I possessed a natural inclination to create things that were either unavailable or sought to improve upon existing market options. During high school, my mother taught me how to use her sewing machine, and I recall making iPod sleeves from recycled materials. After completing college with a business degree, I ventured into a small business venture alongside a friend I met during my studies. Together, we designed canvas and denim bags and had them produced in a factory in NY.
While working on our products, I encountered a challenge in sourcing leather patches that met the high-quality standards I aspired to. In typical fashion, I took matters into my own hands and decided to create the patches myself. This decision marked the beginning of my journey into the world of leather crafting. Initially, I focused on cutting, dyeing, and embossing leather with my first company’s logo. However, my passion for the craft only grew deeper as I became inspired by the rugged and enduring creations of traditional artisans.
Even today, I hold great respect for those legendary makers, and I aim to become one of them, inspiring others in turn. Through continuous experimentation, I ultimately found my niche in crafting small leather goods, particularly leather wallets. My product range exclusively features vegetable-tanned leather, which I personally hand dye and saddle stitch with care.
Embracing traditional techniques, I refrain from taking shortcuts to speed up the process. It brings me immense pride to create an entire line of goods sourced solely from materials within the United States. Additionally, I go the extra mile by handcrafting my own leather balm to accompany each purchased piece, ensuring that every customer receives a product of exceptional quality and care.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of my art is witnessing the impact it has on people’s lives years after they purchase one of my wallets. When I inquire about their experience, I often receive a consistent response: “It’s my best wallet ever.” Hearing this feedback serves as a powerful motivator, driving me to continue pushing forward and creating meaningful products for others to cherish in their daily lives.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In life, we are faced with choices, and one that often crosses my mind is whether to prioritize price or invest in something more meaningful, even if it comes at a higher cost. It seems to me that we live in a disposable society, where many products are cheaply produced and easily break within a few years, leading us to repeatedly buy replacements.
To me, the way we spend our money reflects our values at the core. It forces us to consider what we truly want to support. Is it high-quality, handmade goods that are durable and built to last, or is it mass-produced items created overseas solely to maximize profits? When we take a closer look at the overwhelming amount of waste that ends up in landfills each year, the answer becomes clear to me.
I find myself drawn to the idea of supporting products that are thoughtfully crafted, designed to stand the test of time, and produced with care and integrity. It’s a conscious choice to invest in items that not only serve their purpose but also align with our values as responsible consumers. By making these decisions, we can contribute to a shift away from a throwaway culture, toward a more sustainable and mindful approach to our purchases and the impact they have on the environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.darkforestusa.com
- Instagram: darkforestusa
- Facebook: darkforestusa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@darkforestusa5880
Image Credits
Issac Erickson (with me in them) or Myself