The Story of FOUNT
Hello, everyone! It’s Jackie here, and today, I’m thrilled to share with you the incredible journey of FOUNT, a story close to my heart. Many of you know FOUNT as a premier leather goods brand, but do you know the story behind its inception? From a simple idea to a flourishing business, here's our journey.
The Story of FOUNT Leather
The Spark of Creativity:
Our story began with a simple yet beautiful Christmas gift exchange. My then-boyfriend (now husband) Phillip and I decided to craft homemade gifts for each other. He made me a cutting board and wool mittens, while I created a laptop case and a pencil case from Ralph Lauren camel hair wool. It was this exchange that sparked the idea: What if we made these designs in leather?
The Artist's Way:
At that time, I was reading a book called 'The Artist’s Way', which encouraged me to explore my creative side. This book became a catalyst for my journey into creativity, inspiring me to rekindle my love for sewing and embark on new hobbies. It was during this phase of heightened creativity that FOUNT began to take shape.
First Steps in Leather Crafting:
Our quest to work with leather led us to an old shoe cobbler in Lakewood, Ohio. Here, we learned about leatherworking tools and bought our first leather scraps. What started as a fun date night soon turned into nights of crafting leather wallets, necklaces, and other goods.
The Leap of Faith:
As we gifted our creations to friends and family, interest grew, and we received our first custom bag order. Despite initial hesitations, we decided to take the plunge. We bought an industrial sewing machine from a man who warned us about its power – a warning that proved true when it caught the wall on fire in my apartment!
The Growth of FOUNT:
Our journey with FOUNT was filled with learning, experimentation, and growth. We transitioned from hand-hammering each bag to using a clicker press, which streamlined our process. Our breakthrough came when Country Living Magazine discovered us and featured FOUNT, leading to an influx of orders. This exposure was a game-changer, marking our transition from a small-scale operation to a flourishing business.
Challenges and Triumphs:
However, the journey of growing FOUNT was filled with ups and downs. After the holiday sales boom, we faced a significant drop in orders, which led us to hustle at craft fairs and pop-up events. Our persistence paid off when we were invited to participate in LeBron James' show 'Cleveland Hustles', which provided us with the platform to open our first storefront.
Resilience Through Tough Times:
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge, but it also brought new opportunities for creativity and resilience. We continued to innovate and adapt, keeping the spirit of FOUNT alive even in the toughest times.
Our journey with FOUNT has been a testament to the power of creativity, hard work, and faith. From an idea born out of a Christmas gift exchange to a brand that signifies quality and luxury, FOUNT's story is one of passion and perseverance. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of crafting beautiful, lasting leather goods!