It all started at a summer camp in Pennsylvania. My first introduction to leathercraft came when I made a belt there—everything was pre-cut, and the hardware was attached. All I had to do was stamp, stain, and paint, but that was enough to get me hooked. From that moment on, I started asking for leatherworking tools as birthday gifts, set up a workbench in the unfinished side of our basement, and began teaching myself leather carving. I’d spend hours down there, listening to the same James Taylor Greatest Hits CD, working away through middle school and high school.

After undergrad, I pursued pharmacy school, and for four or five years, I didn’t create a single thing. Then, after moving back in with my mom, I started feeling the weight of job rejections and pulled out my old leather tools to set up a tiny work desk in my bedroom. Leathercraft gave me the creative release I needed. Eventually, I found a retail pharmacist position in Dayton and moved into my own apartment, with more space to create than ever before. That’s when Middleyak Leather Co. was born—what started as an Etsy shop and Instagram account has now become a huge part of my life.

At first, I had no intention of staying in Dayton, but over time, I fell in love with this gritty, welcoming city. Now, I can’t imagine leaving.

Follow along as I celebrate the spirit of this crusty city I call home and the freedom it gives me to explore new ideas.

Love,

Marissa, Bodhi (the big potato), and Creeper (the mini pittie)