Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Peeler.
Hi Lance , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The year was 2011. I needed a quality leather bag to carry my new laptop. I reached out to Arthur Porter, founder of Dallas Designing Dreams—a master leather craftsman I had previously worked with on computer projects—and asked him to provide a quote for a custom bag. His response was a complete surprise: he didn’t offer to sell me one; he offered to teach me how to make it myself. During the process, I learned every aspect of creating a high-quality, perfectly specified bag. More importantly, I unlocked a creative side in me that I never knew existed.
Since that pivotal moment, my mission has been clear: to ensure every creation is a timeless, unique work of art that speaks directly to the person for whom it was created.
Leatherwork remained a passion, a “hobby” used to create custom gifts for friends and family, until I retired from corporate life in 2022. That’s when I decided to turn this passion into a business by selling custom-made leather bags. I am driven by my faith and the belief that God is the original, master creator.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The initial challenge was the fundamental shift from “I do this for fun” to “I do this for profit.” This required cultivating emotional detachment, learning to let go of my unique creations, and handling criticism professionally. Crucially, I had to stop undervaluing my time and skill, which forced me to tackle complex areas like accurate pricing and profitability, strict time management, and scalability. Ultimately, the transition meant finding a focused marketing strategy to reach customers willing to pay a premium for handmade quality, rather than competing with mass-produced alternatives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in designing and building bags to be enduring pieces that, by virtue of the leather, are meant to last a lifetime. This commitment allows me to offer something truly unique: every bag is guaranteed for life, and I will repair it at absolutely no cost to the customer.
More than an object, I want every bag to touch the client “in a special kind of way” when they carry it. My work is driven by my faith and the belief that God is the original, master creator.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My bags can be viewed and purchased at jlcpdesigns.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jlcpdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlcp_designs/
