Meet Matthew Wolfhardt of WOLFHARDT in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Wolfhardt.

Matthew, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from college, I knew I wanted to seek out something of my own. I had tried a couple of things here and there with some partners but quickly learned that I wanted to do something completely different. Different than denim, lounge or knits.

After coming across a thrown out piece of leather and a couple of pieces of hardware, I had put together my own leather cuffs and as they became an attachment to my style and personality. People started to take notice, and as I shared my story, I realized that leather was to be my medium. I loved the smell of leather, how it grew to you and shaped itself to your personality.

I quickly put together a small collection on my living room coffee table and named it Wolfhardt. Wolfhardt wasn’t to be just any label. But a name that would be recognized to quality, luxury, and style. It’s my passion to create and establish something that is to be passed on. A legacy passed on to generations and became a globally known lifestyle brand.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Love is not an easy road. With loves comes passion, heartache, and success. Throughout the decade, just as any artist has, we have suffered for our love. The personality, the hard work, and the sacrifices I have made to get to this point have been hard. But I can firmly stand back and see the long road it has taken me to get to this point. I have met many friends through the struggles and appreciate the support of people that have believed in my dream. The struggle will always be in my heart. But love is what motivates you.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about WOLFHARDT – what should we know?
I do it all. Design, model, marketing, production, and shipping. I entered into this brand not knowing anything about leather or business. But through the venture, I have become an expert in leather and have expanded my studies to marketing and business management. As an owner of the company, I have my hands in every aspect of the business. And will continue to do so as any successful business owner leads its business.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
One of the most important characteristics that are most important to my success would be passion. The passion and the drive for creativity and the success of your brand is the single most important characteristic throughout my business and career.

You have to have a strong heart to overcome failures and other external forces that can prevent you from becoming successful. You’re constantly keeping your eye on the prize and never forgetting the big picture you strive for on a day to day basis. Success isn’t a finish line but an idea that is created in your head. I believe I will reach success when I can go to any metropolitan city and see Wolfhardt living somewhere in that city.

Contact Info:

• Website: wolfhardt.com
• Phone: 562.335.9852
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: wolfhardtofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WOLFHARDTLeather

Image Credit:
James Korin, Frank Nguyen

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.