Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Stoy.
Tina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for reaching out and asking me to share my story! My journey with leather began in 2018. I have always been inspired by the vast number of uses and applications for leather, as well as the durability of handcrafted leather goods. After taking a few workshops while traveling abroad it working with leather quickly filled a creative hole, fueling a passion, which still inspires me today.
Many people ask where the name Akasha comes from. I wanted the brand to tell as story, conveying who I am, as well as be a continuous space of inspiration for growth. In honoring the part of my life that has created so much growth and transformation, I choose to explore Sanskrit, the language of Yoga. Akasha in Sanskrit, is the earth element Ether. Ether is the element from which all other elements arise (fire, water, earth, air). Its qualities are light, airy, boundless, and limitless in possibilities.
In 2018 I had no idea what I’d be making, let alone where the business would be, thus I wanted a brand name that always felt expansive and creative, allowing me to weave new skills and interests in over the years. These expansive qualities inspire all that I make.
Currently, Akasha Leather can be seen at local markets such as Salt Lake’s Downtown Farmer’s Market, the Park Silly Sunday Market, Wild Earth seasonal markets, at pop-up events around town, as well as on my website AkashaLeather.com
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?
What business doesn’t have a few bumps along the way? One constant challenge I deal with, is people reading the brand as Alaska Leather versus Akasha Leather. Because Akasha is unfamiliar to most, and Alaska is very familiar, the common question is, so where are you from in Alaska? Or what type of leather is Alaska leather? I love Alaska, it’s an awesome state to adventure in! But it’s not the brand.
I use this as a great opportunity to educate on the brand name and background, but I know I’ve missed connecting with people because they read the brand name wrong on the business cards and thus email the wrong address or never find my website.
Last year was obviously a big challenge losing all in person events. It really made me look at the business and decide how I wanted to move forward. In the end, the time gave me a better perspective on what was important and what was worth the effort. I chose to learn how to redesign my website, as well as how to create an online shopping experience. And I decided to dive into the deep end of taking on leatherwork more full-time. The learning curve has been steep, the weeks have been long, but the effort has always been worth it. I am so grateful to be able to express my creativity through leatherwork. This reality is something I never thought was possible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I can’t say that I specialize in any one thing yet; I find my focus drifts from one design to another. Every day is inspired by the expansive creative space of Akasha (element of ether). The theme throughout my line is one of organization, inspired by travel.
The first items I made, back in 2018, were journals and for the first few years, this is where my attention went. But, over time as my skills developed, my gaze has broadened to hand stitching wallets, designing earrings, wrist wraps, bags, etc. This year the focus has been tote bags. The totes are the most time-consuming items I make, but each one is different in its own way which makes my heart sing. I want each one to feel like art with its highlight of patterned wool on the front accent pocket.
One of the best parts about being a one-person business is I get to focus on what is inspiring me at the moment. Hoping that it will also inspire others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
This holiday season Akasha Leather will be at the Wild Earth Market at Ember on November 13th. On December 4th at TF Brewing. On December 9th at Alta Community Enrichment’s Holiday Market as well as in Park City at Park Silly’s Holiday Bazaar December 10th-12th.
I also offer workshops for those who want to get hands-on experience with leather. These can be offered for groups of up to 10 people. Workshops are between usually 1.5-2 hours long. Right now there are 3 different workshops ranging from basic skills development to how to bind your own journal. Contact me for information on how to book.
The best way to keep updated with what’s happening on the work table or where I’ll be for an event is on Instagram @akashaleather. To purchase online you can go to AkashaLeather.com. And I’m always available via email at akashaleather@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Email: akashaleather@gmail.com
- Website: AkashaLeather.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akashaleather/?hl=en
