We were lucky to catch up with Codi Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Codi, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
By not staying stagnant. I am always up for a new challenge and to learn how to make something new. One of the most challenging products I had to create were some water bottle holders that attach to the back cinch of a saddle. There was a lot of trial and error and it was very intimidating at first, but in the end I was able to finish them and the customer was happy. It brought me a sense of accomplishment that I was able to succeed.
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?
My name is Codi Anderson and I have been doing leather work for about 2 and a half years now. It started out as a hobby to help keep me busy when I was a stay at home mom for the first year of my sons life. I quickly realized just how much joy and sense of accomplishment it brought me. I loved being able to create new things out of a blank piece of leather and it quickly became a way to express myself. Soon I started making things for family members and close friends and kept working towards getting better and better. When I realized just how much a liked creating products for others I started CA Leather Work. I specialize in belts, koozies, hat patches, keychains, and picture frames. All of my items are made to order so that they can be customized to exactly what the customer wants. And this year for Christmas I am implimenting Gift Certificates so if someone wants to have something made for that special someone, but they aren’t quite sure what they would like, they can give them a Gift Certificate and they will be able to contact me and custom order one of my products. This will be a nice way to give someone something special, but also make sure it is exactly what they would like or want.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Willingness to learn, willingness to try new things, and a willingness to take critique. A big thing to know when you are first starting out is that you are not going to know everything there is to know about leather working within a short period of time. Also know that there is not a single right way, there are so many different methods and steps you can take to reach your final goal. The only way to know and to grow is to keep trying new things and to keep looking and researching for new methods and ideas. It is so helpful to watch the folks that have been doing leather work for a long time and learn from them. And if you are in a setting where you can ask questions or recieve opinions make sure you are able to take critique well. Most of the time the masters are coming from a place of knowledge and are only trying to help you get better. The only way you are going to grow is by learning what you did wrong.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Some of my most favorite pieces have been for customers that have come to me with a clear vision, but have still allowed me some artistic freedom. If you have something in mind and know exactly what you want and I can imagine what you are invisioning that is the perfect combination to creating a beautiful piece of leather.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleatherwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALeatherWorking
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@caleatherwork
