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

Hi Naseer, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

From a very young age I was exposed to the business world. My father, who owned and operated a leather factory in India, was a big part of my inspiration to open my own business. Noticing a strategic opening in the market, by knowledge gained from the family business, I stepped into the industry myself and gained a foothold large enough to have a stable position in the market. Soon afterwards, I was a husband and father of three and knew I had to kick my business into overdrive. I saw the potential and took the necessary steps in order to expand my business into the United States and move my family here with me as well. While I knew I would miss my friends and extended family back home, I realized this would be a great opportunity to keep growing in other places while maintaining my roots where it all began.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I run an import and export business that I supply and manufacture myself in India. While we specialize in horse riding equipment such saddles, chaps, and belts, we also produce mens and women’s wallets, handbags, and special cowhide rugs. I believe we provide a solid and meaningful service to our clients because our products truly set us apart. In fact, we have even sold props that were used in the 2008 Hollywood film, Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. With some of the finest top grain leather our customers have continuously come back for repeat orders. I take pride in our work because it not only represents where I come from, but where my family and ancestors made their living as well. As the popular saying goes, if you truly love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. And I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

It was difficult in the beginning. Only having a few clients to rely on in the beginning after the transition overseas. But what truly sells is quality and consistency. I believe our products are made of the finest quality and last for generations. Wallets, belt buckles, handbags, they are all items that can be passed on from generation to generation. I believe in creating items that people will cherish and use forever. That belief has directly helped with growing my name.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The urge to step into the entrepreneurship world started before I even graduated college. While going to school I worked all 4 years and saved enough to start my own business right after graduation. While it was tough managing a full work and class schedule, it never seemed to sway me from my path. I knew what I wanted and went straight for it no matter the cost. It was what I wanted and I would have stopped at nothing to get there.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: @amazingleather