I grew up in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, on a small farm, where I've always had an appreciation for hard work, building things with my hands, and the Western way of life. I've always enjoyed drawing and creating things from scratch, so leatherwork has become a way for me to bring a lot of those interests together.
Where the name comes from
The name Sinking Creek comes from a creek that runs through the back of my family's farm. I wanted a name that reflected my roots, my family, and the place I call home. Sinking Creek is a reminder of where I come from and the values I want this business to represent.
How it started
My journey into leatherwork started with my grandpa. He was a well-known bag maker and has been working with leather for years. He still enjoys tinkering with it today. One Christmas, I got the idea to make my dad a belt and asked my grandpa if he would show me how to do it and help me figure out what supplies I needed. That first belt was what started it all.
I didn't start making leather goods with the intention of turning it into a business. I did it because I genuinely enjoyed it. Once I finished that first belt, I knew I wanted to keep learning and getting better. There was something about taking a piece of leather and turning it into something useful and beautiful entirely by hand that hooked me from the beginning.
Why I love it
What I love most about leatherwork is the process. I've always enjoyed building things and drawing, and I've always been drawn to Western style and heritage. Leatherwork brings all of those things together. There's something special about looking at a finished belt or wallet and knowing exactly how much work went into it. Even better is knowing that, when it's made right, it's something that can last a lifetime and be passed down for generations.
That's the standard I want to hold myself to. I want to make products that aren't just good to look at but are built to be used. I believe handmade goods should have a purpose, tell a story, and hold up to the test of time.
Building Sinking Creek Leather
Right now, my life looks a little different from that of a full-time leatherworker. I'm a business major at Western Kentucky University, where I also compete in cross country and track. Most of the work I do for the business happens around everything else going on in my life. It isn't always easy to find the time, but it's something I'm willing to work for because I believe in what I'm building.
I'm still learning every day. Right now, my main focus is custom work. I enjoy working directly with customers to bring their ideas to life and create something that feels like it was made specifically for them.
“My faith in Jesus Christ is an important part of who I am. I believe in working hard, treating people right, being honest, and taking pride in what I put my name on.”
Looking ahead
My goal is to grow Sinking Creek Leather to the point where I can make it my full-time career after college. I'm working toward that now, one order and one piece at a time. More than anything, I want the people who order from me to feel like they have a personal connection with the person making their product — and when you receive your order, I hope you feel the care and effort that went into it.
If you'd ever like to talk leatherwork, business, or just connect, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for being a part of the journey. I look forward to making something for you!
— Trevor