Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Sigler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I started my business at age 24 when I was working for Dark Horse Comics/Things From Another World here in Milwaukie, Oregon. Life wise I would say it was pretty early on compared to a lot of people. I think in our twenties we are still figuring out who we are.
I think starting it earlier on in my life has been beneficial and really helped open a lot of doors within the industry. I have met so many wonderful people through Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery, and continue to do so.

Travis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up following all the adventures in fantasy novels and film, and always wishing I was in those worlds. When I first started out I began doing cosplay at local comic book conventions, making my own leather pieces for costumes, and then began brewing mead in a closet.
I’ve always been drawn to the arts, and making leatherwares for costumes and ren faires etc was a great doorway into the world of the craft. Mead is the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, and is a drink that brings people together over stories and songs throughout history. I think we have created a place that is unlike all others due to the community we have built around the business. We bring a lot of memories, smiles, and give folks a medieval fantasy escape at our tasting room and shop, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to provide that for so many.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I think the story of resilience is honestly the entire existence of my business. We have not had it easy. When first starting the business I remember building up the idea, trying to get people interested. Then came the first shop and barely being able to pay rent. Then a global pandemic which was extremely scary considering I just moved my business to a new location during the start of the pandemic. Coming out of the pandemic, and the economy is (has been) suffering.
But still Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery has endured. This is year nine of the business. I have worked hundreds of thousands of hours (a majority of that unpaid, as is the usual case for someone following their dreams and passions when getting started) Maybe I’ll write a book on the road so far.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery is literally built from the bootstrap mindset. There were no loans. Every extra dime earned from full-time jobs before it and during it’s launch was reinvested right back into the company.
The best way to build a business is to show your dedication, principles, and products to potential clients and community. Gain their trust and show them who you are. That’s how you will be successful and keep bringing people back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Wyrdleatherandmead.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/wyrd_leather_and_mead