1960s - 1970s: As a young girl, if I wasn't dusting products in the front retail of my dad's shoe repair shop, I was in the back playing dolls with the inventory of new high heels. The long sleek 4" leather-wrapped heels were the young, sophisticated girls and the short wide squared off 2" heels were the older ladies. I would sit on the floor beside my dad's feet playing make-believe for hours, breathing in the distinct smell of leather and glue.

 

1980s - 1990s: I always had an interest in working with leather, but in my dad's shop it was understood, that this was a dirty job. It was a man's job. I set aside my desire for leather making to eventually become a self-taught Graphic Artist at the local newspaper.

 

My brother Stephen knew my love for leather ran deep, so he often encouraged me to play around with it. He showed me the different tools and machinery and their purpose, and how each tool, when used correctly, transformed the leather. 

 

2020: When COVID hit and I was approaching semi-retirement, my husband built me a quaint bungalow workshop in our garage. It was then, that I decided to take a leap and started making beaded jewelry.

I exceeded my "first-year" goal and had a blast, but my love for leather-making kept calling. So, after much thought, I decided to turn my focus on leather goods.

 

2021: Paying homage to my dad who has always been an inspiration, I named my brand of handcrafted leather goods, A Cobbler's Daughter.

 

My biggest cheerleader and fan is my amazing husband Domenick. He takes a sincere interest in everything I create and gives me his honest opinion and valuable feedback ... so sometimes my so-called great ideas end up in the scrap bin. He is my go-to for advice, direction, and creative balance. I couldn't do this without his support.

​- VivyB