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

Jennie , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have always been a crafty person and have always loved fine leather products. So one day I just decided I was going to learn to tool leather. I started by reading all I could find on the internet about tooling leather, the tools, the process, the different products needed. Then I took a rather expensive trip to the local leather shop and loaded up on all I thought I may need. I would later find that the need for more leather and tools, better tools would never stop! Then I began to play with the leather and different projects, first following step by step instructions from books, articles and tutorial videos. Next I began to experiment and push the boundaries a bit to find my own style and look.
Learning the basics, casing leather, what types of leather and tools etc, was definitely essential and helped me created a good foundation from which to experiment from.

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

First and foremost, I’m a mom. I’ve created this job for myself to provide me the freedom to be with my kids, to work side by side while homeschooling, to take those days to just go and play and to let my creativity out.

I’ve always had this creative side and have loved designing and creating something just a little different than you may be able to find just anywhere. I’ve always wanted my work to be a little bit different, unique and to give my clients something they can’t just go run to the store and pickup. Something that they enjoy and brings them a smile.

Each of my custom pieces are created with my clients, step by step, every little detail is discussed, because those tiny details make each piece special. I want my clients to have exactly what they’ve imagined in their design. Because of this, each custom piece takes time, I build and build in my head before ever cutting any leather, trying to find any mistakes before they’re made, attention to the tiny details really makes that final piece.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love to see my clients wearing my products – that jacket they just fell in love with, the shoes we designed together or the purse that’s built just the way they wanted. I love to see my products being used and loved!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think our society has been overrun with so much stuff, mass produced, coming off a press or machine that real art has become lost in the shuffle. I think supporting local artists, not just financially, just a verbal ‘good job”, ‘cool work’ helps so much to keep artists and creatives going,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniejeandesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniejeanr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniejeandesigns