Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Hoelscher.
Maddie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up on a ranch in West Texas between Midland and San Angelo. Ever since I was very young, I have always been creative and enjoyed drawing, painting, or anything art related. When I was in high school, I bought a beginner’s kit from Hobby Lobby for leather working. I had taken no classes on leather prior, so I had no idea what I was doing or where to start. I started the hobby in 2013-2014, so YouTube was around, and there were a few how-to videos on the internet, but nothing like there are today. I learned mostly by trial and error. When something didn’t work, I would try a different method until I finally found what worked for me. For most of the first few years of tooling leather, I would make mostly for friends and family. I created an Instagram page to show off my work and to use it as an online portfolio. As I would post more on my Instagram, I slowly gained followers and started to get messages from strangers asking to have things made for them. In 2015, I graduated high school and went to South Plains College in Levelland. While living in the dorm rooms during my first semester, I continued leatherwork and made my small 1×2 foot desk meant for homework my leather working table. I went on to graduate from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education with an emphasis in drawing. All while tooling leather in my spare time.
I tool leather full time now focusing mostly on custom orders. Making purses, belts, wallets, backpacks, and sometimes jewelry. Recently, I have started having my leatherwork sold in Maverick Fine Western Wear in the Fort Worth Stockyards. I do try to keep my website stocked with a variety of inventory, making sure that there is something for everyone.
There’s great satisfaction in working with a client to make them exactly what they want and make it their own. Giving them something that is 1 of 1 and that they can show off for years. Leather with different finishes, textures, colors, or thicknesses are all factors that will give a different result to each piece. Giving different moods or aesthetics, I try to choose what will complement the client and their personality best.
Western style has grabbed ahold of the fashion world this past year, and it is exciting to see the Western world be embraced in fashion worldwide. It is going to be an exciting year for Western style.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been all smooth, getting frustrated in the beginning when I had just started and was not sure of what I was doing. I did get discouraged and would take breaks of a month or so between, but I would pick it back up and try again. I’m jealous of the people who get into leather work now because there is so much information on the internet to give tips and tricks. The amount of YouTube tutorials and TikTok videos out there to help beginners is mind-boggling compared to what was on the internet around 2013-2014.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I tool leather and focus mostly on custom orders for customers making tooled belts, wallets, purses, keychains, etc. Customers will tell me things they would like tooled onto the leather like brands or initials. I’ve gotten lucky and have customers tell me to tool whatever I’d like, which is fun because it allows me to have more creative freedom.
I have been focusing on purses and bags lately. Mixing tooled leather with different hides to give different moods for each purse. My style is ever evolving with the passing of time and seasons. Moving to different parts of Texas has helped with the evolution of my style, Different climates, ways of living, and population styles have a big effect.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Having the drive to not give up and to keep trying. Knowing that it is okay to mess up and to try again. Most success comes from many small failures, and those small failures can be used as building blocks to help you get to where you want to be. It sounds very Tony Robbins-esque, but it is what has worked for me. Keeping a positive mindset and trying not to dwell on the failures or what-ifs.
Pricing:
- Purses – $500-900
- Belts – $175-650
- Wallets – $150-350
- Keychains – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: Maddogleatherco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddogleatherco/
