Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Martinez.
Alex, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It started when I was 20 years old and I got the opportunity to work in a small warehouse where leather handbags were handcrafted. From there, I learned how to work with leather from cutting, skiving, folding, assembling and sewing, but what I enjoyed the most was creating the patterns for new designed bags.
The owner of that factory was my teacher, he taught me everything he knew on how to create the pattern samples. For me making samples for every new bag was without a doubt a challenge as every measurement, cut and stitch had me be precise, but once the bag was done it felt like a trophy because the clients would love the product and it made me feel great.
As time passed by and I became more knowledgeable in this industry, I decided that it was time for me to open up my own warehouse. I now have ten years with my business and I remain content with the work we do. I still have the same clients that I did when I started and till’ this day, they as well appreciate and love the work we do for them.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Language barrier was a definite challenge. When I started my business there was a struggle with communicating with my clients as I knew very little English at the time. I knew enough English to understand what the client requested and if didn’t I would get my kids to help me out with translation. After work, I would go to night school and take English courses to help with communicate and understand not just in my business but with the world outside my business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Alex Leather Design is a handcrafting warehouse that specializes with leather works. We manufacture from accessories like wallets, pouches, totes handbags to backpacks and upholstery. If you visualize an idea for your branded accessory just bring it over to us and we’ll help you bring it to live. If you have worn-out couches and chairs, we’ll remove the old fabric and material from it and replace it with quality leather guaranteed to last. What sets us aside from others is the amount of attention we put into details. From the moment that Juanito (our cutter) cuts the leather with precise measurements, down to the assembly room where Nancy(my wife) begins to put the pieces together in and out the sewing room with me doing the stitching. Once the bag(s) are done Alex jr(my son) does quality control. We check that our work is well done and clean before the client picks it up. Alongside of us is Valentin(brother) who focuses on sample bags and upholstery.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Mexico wasn’t easy. I was 1 out of six brothers with my dad’s job being the only income we had. Knowing my parents were struggling I couldn’t just sit back and complain. I started looking for any job that would pay enough to help. I had ambition and was just focused on grinding for my family. That provider mindset stuck with me even to this day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1324 Wilshire Blvd suite 100, Los Angeles CA 90017
- Phone: 2132782715
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Alex.Leather.Design
Image Credit:
Alex Jr
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