Meet Treasure Mallory

We recently connected with Treasure Mallory and have shared our conversation below.

Treasure, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I always felt like “the only one in the room” because I never wanted to do what everyone else did. When I became a leather crafter, that manifested in life because now I felt like nobody in my industry looked like me. The leather craft industry is white-male dominated – when I transitioned from working with fabrics to leather, there was one tutorial channel on YouTube by a man of color teaching leather work. I knew of two women of color selling their handmade leather goods, one of whom became my mentor.
I knew then I had to continue making leather goods and teaching the artistry because there weren’t enough people working with leather who looked like me! After partnering with some of the biggest suppliers in leather and my brand name started catching on, I received recognition and much respect from big crafters in the community. I believe “success is subjective,” but despite me being the only one in the room, my work spoke for itself. That and remaining authentic to myself and my purpose is how I was able to thrive as a designer in an industry where no one looks like me

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Nikki&Mallory is an artisan-made collection of bohemian-inspired leather and non-leather handcrafted goods. Offering small batch, made-to-order production, each piece is created with originality and authenticity. In an effort to reduce waste and embrace the push towards sustainability – a small percentage of the leathers used are up-cycled and/or recycled. With natural vegged tanned leather being the preferred leather of choice. This mission to source local, eco-friendly materials is an ongoing effort to reduce the use of chemically treated leathers.

The brand’s name, “Nikki&Mallory,” is a combination of my nickname and last name, indicative of one woman with two different styles, characteristics, and personalities. Nikki&Mallory’s mission is to advocate for women to live free, adventurous, confident, + limitless. While catering to one’s creativity, individuality, and affordability. My sister company, NikkiMade, is where I teach the artistry behind beginner-friendly leatherwork. I teach in-person classes at various creative workshops in southern California, virtually, and now via YouTube. I also sell patterns and creative kits and teach about all things leather.

I love designing & creating, it saved my life. Through depression (and now, as an adult navigating anxiety), it is really therapeutic. Because of that, I want to pass this gift of healing through creativity on! As far as my handmade pieces, they will be sold at high-end boutiques and retailers but until then, I’ve had fun making staple pieces for other people and myself.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, having patience on this journey is key. You can make a quick buck if that’s your objective but overnight “success” does not exist, and if it does, that “success” probably is not long-term.

Wearing every hat of my business has allowed me to learn my business in & out – now I can hire people because I know what I want and don’t want. Investing in myself (learning about business, finances, etc.) has allowed me to see that no one will invest in you if you are not willing to invest in yourself, and taking time to learn my artistry is one of the smartest things I did because I’m able to keep evolving – if I went into business as a novice or this was just a hobby for me, I can only create what I know (I took two years to learn about leatherwork before I sold a thing).

But entrepreneurship looks different for everyone; overall, I would say, “Stay authentically you, focus on the work & maintain good customer service!” The focus should not be on your social media following – but the work/the product/the service – it will always speak for itself and be the thing people remember (and your customer service).

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my mother did for me was let me be myself & find my own identity. While enforcing “can’t” is not a word I live by”. My mother taught me that I can do and have whatever I want. That instilled a confidence in me that no one can take from me.

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Image Credits

Nicole Lennox Photography

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