We’re so excited to have Stephanie of Ox & Pine returning for the 2022 Jingle Bash. Their gorgeous, handmade leather goods are always a hit! Meeting the makers and getting a peek behind the scenes is something we cherish here at Dallas Craft Collective. Read on to get to know Stephanie and Ox & Pine.
Tell us about the products you make.
We make personalized, handmade leather goods! From journals to wallets, to dog leashes, and more, we carefully handcraft each item and personalize it just how you want for a meaningful gift for you or a loved one.
What is your favorite product that you create?
Journals! I love a good personalized leather journal. I have a box full of journals I filled as a kid and some of those journals served as design inspiration for some of our journals. While I don't fill journals as quickly as I did when I was a kid, I treasure the memories that are contained in my journals. And I want others to treasure their memories and have something they love to write in.
What does your art-making process look like?
I love having time to think and make several iterations of a design until I feel it meets beauty and functions. I tend to lean towards clean lines and functionality. I don't put a design out there that I'm not fully confident in aesthetics, construction, and function.
Is your shop offering anything new/special/different at the Bash?
We'll have our famous Fan Favorite Leather Luggage Tags for $1 and our lovingly dubbed Cheery Mishaps for 50% off! We're also personalizing on-the-spot so you can leave with your beautiful leather good personalized.
What led you to start your business? How did you get started and how has the journey been so far?
As I got married and we started having kids, I was looking for something that could be my own. I had really gotten into bookbinding and leatherworking and would often work on projects during my kids' naps. I had come across Etsy and thought it would be fun to sell my own journals. So, I worked on a journal design, painstakingly took pictures, and put up my first listings on Etsy. It was just before Thanksgiving, and I ended up selling out by Christmas! I didn't have a ton of journals in stock, but it was fun to see that happen. That's when I started getting intentional about running my business. Over the past 8 years, we've gained a great group of team members and have a warehouse location now. It has come with a lot of challenges and continues to stretch my team and me. I enjoy making leather goods and being a small part of the meaningful gifts our customers are giving!
Is there a story behind your business name?
It's a simple meaning hidden in our name. Ox like a cow for leather and Pine like trees for paper. Since journals were our first product, it fits!
How did you get to where you are today? How long did it take?
A supportive family, good team members, and wonderful customers has gotten us to where we are today! It's been figuring out how to find the right team members and the proper training and support that has made a big difference. It's also been figuring out how to serve a customer well and following through with how we would want to be treated as a customer. The product itself it just one part of a larger picture, and we always work to make the very best product. We've been in business almost 8 years now, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
What are challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Figuring out how to hire others and do well at training and supporting them. Figuring out where to get materials when your usual place is out. Repairing machines. How much space do we have for challenges? Haha! There are new things every day!
Which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?
Our personalized leather journals are a great gift. We also make personalized leather lanyards and personalized leather bookmarks. I think most of our products are perfect for a meaningful gift since you can personalize any of our handmade leather goods.
What was first item you ever made/sold?
Journals are the first items I made and sold! And one of my favorites!
What makes your pieces special?
That we carefully handcraft each piece and personalize with individual metal pieces by applying heat and pressure for a beautiful impression in the leather. You get to choose the personalization--anything from initials to a name or meaningful phrase. It truly makes it unique and your own.
How do you recommend using/styling your pieces?
Everyday use! I hope everyone puts their leather journal, leather dog leash, leather wallet, or other leather good to use each and every day.
Why do you think people are drawn to your style?
I think they like something meaningful that gets better over time. Leather is unique with it's markings and the patina it gains with use.
Which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?
Our personalized leather journals are a great gift. We also make personalized leather lanyards and personalized leather bookmarks. I think most of our products are perfect for a meaningful gift since you can personalize any of our handmade leather goods.
Do you have a dedicated workspace?
Yes! We have a warehouse where we make and ship everything from.
What do you love most about running your business?
Creating relationships with team members and hearing customers stories! Our customers are very sentimental and often share very touching stories with us. It makes it feel special for us to be a small part of that.
What inspires you and how do you stay inspired?
Working with others and problem solving, coming up with something beautiful and functional
When you aren't running your business or creating, what do you spend your time doing?
I love to spend time with my family! We like to watch movies, make cookies, and just hang out together.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To fly! I think it would be great to have the kind of perspective and travel ability.