Our Story | Portland Leather Goods

the heart of se portland

Our Workshop

Happy worker maker in portland leather goods workshop making totes

A SPACE FOR CREATION

Looking to expand from our humble beginnings in a garage, we moved into our huge 12,000 sq. ft. workshop in SE Portland.
We need a lot of space. After all, we do everything in-house.

Each item is designed by a member of our team, often going through several stages of prototypes that team members try out, and give feedback on in order to constantly improve our designs.

Our workshop is equiped with 28 ft ceilings, 18 handmade workbenches and 560 window panes. This is a space that lets us do what we do best— design, create and produce the best handmade leather products in the US.

Who we are

THE HANDS BEHIND "HANDMADE"

We’re a group of artists, painters, actors, woodworkers, teachers, writers, photographers, designers, therapists, and more who want creative outlets in all parts of life.

Every day we come to work we're surrounded by friends and maybe a shop pup or two.

Our team comes together to be creative, to work with our hands, and to enjoy spending the day doing something we love.

bearded hipster man measuring leather in bright sun lit portland leather goods workshop

THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE

What makes Portland Leather so unique is our high-quality products coupled with affordable prices. But handmaking the best leather goods in the U.S. is no easy task...

We use full grain leather, the strongest and most durable leather available, to create stunning products that only get better with age. And we don't play when it comes to our sewing machines either. Our industrial sewing machines stitch the leather with waxed thread, ensuring quality for years to come.

From our sewing machines all the way to firebranding, we have the tools, skills, and people to get the job done right.

Shop Dogs

Ida

Looking like a real life Pokemon, Ida packs a ton of personality in a very tiny frame! Ida can be found taking afternoon naps on the Customer Service desk, where her mom, Kaitie, wonderfully answers your questions about our leather goodies. Ida also loves to give nose kisses, which she will shower you with if you squat down to her level.

Nala

Nala is probably one of the softest dogs your will ever pet. She was adopted by Carly, who is our Production Manager. Nala loves to keep her mom in sight, but can also be seen bouncing around the workshop, saying 'Hi' to everyone, and flopping over to get some sweet belly rubs.

Millie

Millie is a sweet little snuggle bug, who gets very excited to meet and greet new people. She belongs to Charmaine, our talented Photographer. You can sometimes find Millie sleeping in a patch of sunlight in our bright photo studio.

Boo

Boo's favorite activity around the shop is raising hell, which she does an exceptional job at. But hey, what do you expect, she's just a puppy! Boo works with her dad MacCoy in the Marketing Department. Boo loves to meet new people and may just jump up and give you a kiss!

Josie

Josie is a sweet, old girl. Her mom is Jen, another one of our talented Sewers. You can find Josie sniffing around the workshop, looking for belly rubs, and giving you puppy dog eyes for affection (and sometimes food). She has one white speckled paw, which if you ask nicely, she'll let you shake!

Avon & Coco

Coco and Avon occasionally make surprise workshop visits. They belong to Curtis and Caitlyn, the founders of Portland Leather Goods. Though small, they are full of energy! Avon can be seen chasing Coco around the workshop, and when they're tuckered out, they'll both take an afternoon nap by the Marketing Team.

Snacks

Snacks has a smile big enough to light up a whole room! He's a big love-bug, who may be half hippo... we're still looking into it. His mom is Jo, who is Assistant Production Manager. You can hear him squeaking around the workshop, adding an extra bit of happiness to everyone's day.