Today we’d like to introduce you to Mat Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was around 2009 when I decided that I would get into just making t-shirts. I guess that how a lot of stories start, made this shirt turns into that and next thing you know, you’re a big deal right?! I don’t know about all that, but a lot of stories to start with a t-shirt.
I have always been influenced by creating with my hands and making things myself. I would see a design and or a technique and would tell myself, I could do that. So, I would go out and do my homework and then jump right into whatever interest that was at the time.
I built my own screen printer (it had 3 arms and 1 head) all made out of wood and was not very fancy, but did the job until I could afford a beginner press. Also, I built a light box, dark box, and a washout booth just to get by. From there, designed all the art to cutting out all of the labels and tags. It was the act of making and doing that made me happy and in turn, selling something you had every part in making was awesome.
I really got into making tons of kids stuff too, all my friends were having kids and it made sense to me to do everything at “tiny” size since I kind of didn’t know what I was doing, just that I wanted to make cool prints. I made things from shirts, totes, toys, mobiles, pillows, wash cloths, all organic, made from scratch items.
I took a break for awhile from SA and was working corporately, which took up tons of my time from making things for fun as do most jobs today. I really got back into SA after finding a love for leather and what all it has to offer, from its durability, longevity and how timeless it is. Not only the pieces I was making but the leather itself and how timeless a staple it was.
This process of “Soulcrafting” is something I value, as it has taught me a couple of things, but most importantly… patience. In a world of instant gratification, we lose to see the value in things that are truly handmade and high quality. All of our leather goods are cut, dyed, stamped, sewn all by hand, literally. We use vegetable tanned leather so it ages naturally by the oils from your hands, braided wax thread and burnished edges that are hand painted to accentuate the red stitching
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, not, you debate on if you should take it full time vs part time, money, time, all these factors that are really scary and out of one’s comfort zone.
Set a goal when you start, no matter how small and make it achievable. Also, staying true to yourself and what your brand stands for. Because you are that face of the brand, which is what people see and associate with.
Please tell us about Seamingly Artful.
I make leather goods, by hand, one at a time. I work mainly with vegetable tanned leather and make anything from key fobs, wallets, totes to backpacks.
I cut, dye, piece, brand, sew and finish all my items. I wouldn’t say I’m known for anything specific, but since I do dye my leather, the technique every year changes and I normally focus on creating one of a kind pieces.
I’m mainly proud of the work we put out there and the reaction of peoples faces when they know that they are getting a great product that will last years to come.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Not necessarily, I know tons of non-creatives that come up with a better experience in life that put them on the same if not better playing field than us. I think what it comes down to is putting the work in, but just a little more than the next guy.
Pricing:
- Wallets – $25 – $70
- Bags – $175 – $400
- Accessories – $12 – $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seaminglyartful.com
- Email: hello@seaminglyartful.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaminglyartful/
Image Credit:
https://www.instagram.com/afeatherstonphoto/
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