We recently connected with Mason Lehman and have shared our conversation below.
Mason, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
The best way I keep my creativity alive in leatherworking is by trying new projects. Every artist has a few staple pieces they make all the time, and it’s easy to get stuck in that routine. For me, doing something different — even if it’s just testing out a new type of leather or technique — helps break up the monotony. It doesn’t always have to be a big project, but switching things up keeps the work interesting and keeps the ideas flowing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In September 2021, my life took a profound turn when I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and challenging bone and muscle cancer. Enduring extensive rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, alongside countless visits to hospitals and doctors’ offices, I was unable to continue working. With unwavering support from my wife, Sydney, friends, and family, I triumphed over cancer within ten months.
During this period of recovery, Broken Beak Leather emerged as a therapeutic outlet, filling the void left by other sidelined hobbies. Crafting leather goods became more than just a pastime; it became a meaningful way to stay active and focused.
Two years later, inspired by the enthusiastic reception at local craft fairs in Colorado Springs, I made the decision to share my passion for leatherworking with a wider audience. The positive feedback and interest received during this time fueled my ambition to turn this beloved hobby into a meaningful endeavor.
Today, Broken Beak Leather stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the support of a community. Each handcrafted piece reflects not only craftsmanship but also the journey of overcoming adversity and embracing newfound passions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three things that helped me most were patience, problem-solving, and a willingness to experiment. Leatherworking takes time to get right, and things don’t always go as planned — so being patient and learning to work through mistakes really paid off. I also found that trying new tools or techniques, even when I wasn’t sure they’d work, helped me grow a lot faster. For anyone just starting out, I’d say: don’t rush, don’t be afraid to mess up, and always stay curious. That’s where the fun (and progress) happens.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Funny enough, one of the more practically impactful things my parents ever did for me was making me start a retirement account right when I turned 18. This may sound dumb, but by starting me off on the right foot with my finances and my future, it has given me a lot of peace of mind about the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brokenbeakleather.com
- Instagram: @brokenbeakleather
- Facebook: @brokenbeakleather
- Other: brokenbeakleather@gmail.com
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