PART 1. JAMES.

Sonder Leather began as a passion project by James, the original maker. His introduction to leatherwork started in childhood, watching his grandfather craft Western saddles in a small workshop in Ōtaki. The smells, the feel, the craftsmanship — his grandad’s work left a lasting impression, inspiring James to follow a similar path and eventually set up his own leather workshop in Ōtautahi in 2015.

After a brief period working from home, he moved into The Welder Collective — then a gallery and studio space that housed dozens of creatives from different backgrounds, all sharing knowledge and expertise. It was there that James met Josh.

James at the shared studio space.

PART 2. JAMES AND JOSH.

Josh comes from a long line of woodworkers and makers. At the time, he was working full-time as an artist, but watching James at work stirred more than just curiosity. Josh’s interest in the craft quickly became clear, and over time, James took him on as an apprentice. From there, the pair moved through a couple of workshop spaces before settling at Indigo & Provisions in 2020.

Dom, James, and Josh — the dream team <3

PART 3. JOSH AND DOM.

Working at Indigo & Provisions brought not just a beautiful heritage setting in the heart of the city, but also a rare opportunity — a physical store where people could walk in and watch James and Josh craft leather goods in person. In 2021, however, James was offered a job opportunity and relocation he couldn’t pass up. The torch was passed to Josh and Dom, the owner of Indigo & Provisions.

Dom and Josh at Indigo & Provisions.

PART 4. JUST JOSH.

After four incredible years at Indigo, it was time for another shift. Josh relocated his workshop back home — bringing Sonder Leather full circle — while Dom chose to focus more on Indigo & Provisions, stepping away from the leather side of the business (though still proudly stocking the products in-store).

Josh at his home studio.

At times tumultuous, but always gratifying, this ten-year journey has shaped what Sonder Leather is today: hundreds of hours spent behind the workbench, thousands of goods out in the world, and a lifetime of quality in the pieces we've created. When you buy something from Sonder Leather, you're not just getting a wallet or keychain — you're getting a story, told in every cut, and every stitch.

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