A truly creative person can get his start anywhere. Take Jordan Derhouson: Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Jordan underwent a liver transplant at age 27 that took him out of circulation for close to a year. But during his convalescence his creative energies never stalled, and he learned a new skill — leather craft.
“I was really sick,” Jordan recounts. “At first, I thought I could get back to my job as a respiratory technician in about a month. But when it turned out to be more like a year and I wasn’t working, I had to move back home. My mom bought me an iPad so that I could play games. I needed a case for it, but they were all totally out of my price range. But that got me thinking about cases, and how I would like to make one.”
One day during his recovery, Jordan discovered a small leather distributor nearby. “The store owner sold materials, and he had a ton of knowledge,” Jordan says. From there, both a hobby and a camaraderie bloomed. “The store owner was about to retire, and he took some time and taught me a lot. We’re still close friends.”
Today, about three years after his surgery, Jordan is in good health and supporting himself through Brand & Iron, his line of handmade leather goods and accessories. And he hasn’t stopped there: In addition to leatherwork, Jordan now counts candle-making, scent design, and even dog shampoo development among his skills. “I’m always dabbling,” he says.
To learn how Jordan’s devotion to dabbling turned into a new life path, read on and shop the collection.
How did you decide to open your Etsy shop?
In November 2013, it was prime time for Christmas and I thought maybe I could sell some of the things I’d been making. I set up an Etsy shop and I got some sales! I added some more things and got some more sales. I thought, “Hey, maybe there is something to this.” I kept trying new things and adding things, and about a year ago I was making enough money to be able to quit my full-time job as a respiratory technician.
Was that a difficult transition?
It was actually a huge blessing that I was able to support myself with Brand & Iron. My technician job required a lot of patient contact. Due to the transplant I have to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of my life, and these make me incredibly susceptible to colds and flus. A person on these medications can easily end up hospitalized because of a common cold; post-transplant, it wasn’t ideal for me to be around so many people.
Leather is such an interesting material. It’s incredibly tough, but it can also be buttery and silky. How do you select from all the different kinds of leather to find what’s right for your projects?
I spend a lot of time trying out different materials to see what works. I’m not picky about a lot of things in life, but I’m picky about materials. They really need to feel right or it won’t work. It helps having a distributor close by because I can always touch every piece before I buy it to make sure it is right.
When it comes to color, I dye all the leather for the key chains myself. That’s how I am able to keep color consistency on small batches. Having been sick at one time, I like to stay away from chemicals in general, but I’m committed to the key chains so I do that part myself.
In your shop, you emphasize the handmade quality of your goods and stress that all your work is done without machines. Can you tell me a little about your process?
Some leather tools are expensive, so I was forced by default to be more old-school. Bigger companies can mechanize punching patterns, using tools like a clicker press which is like a giant cookie cutter. Some people use a laser to do it. Not me — I cut all my pieces by hand.
One of the first construction techniques I learned was traditional saddle stitching. It’s done with a piece of thread that has a needle at both ends. Leather really needs something strong and durable, like saddle stitch. Then I learned that handmade is something that people actually look for. Was it all made by hand? That has value for people.
Do you design for both men and women?
As time goes by, I do more and more. I’m rebranding a little bit, and trying to do more unisex pieces. I would say I started by thinking more about guys, but now I want to start moving more to the middle. Part of having a business like this is putting something out there, seeing what works, then changing a little and seeing what happens.
Your items cover a wide range, from belts to dog collars to bottle openers and flasks. What are some of your favorite things to make?
I really like the candles, and I make those by hand, too. I pour the wax and I personally formulate the scents. I have a friend who makes aftershaves, and I learned how do to this from her, using essential oils and playing around for fun. One thing led to another, and after I came up with the candles I started a dog shampoo company, Hound and Company.
To be honest, for every product I sell or have designed there are 10 that have been scrapped and ended up in the garbage. I guess what pushes me outside the bounds of what I’m actually capable of is a brain that says, “Oh, I can do this…I can make that,” which is usually wildly inaccurate. When I do get what I think is a good idea I harass my close friends for their input. And I try to keep everything local. For example, when I finally got a design I liked for the bottle opener, I called on a friend who makes them for me here in Vancouver.
Your shop is really pretty. Do you do all your own photography?
For the most part, yes. I didn’t go to school for it, but when I was 15 to 18 years old I had a little freelance web and graphic design company. I like to dabble. It’s a lot cheaper than hiring someone!
What would you like to do next with your shop?
I might like to be less leather-focused at some point. I took a ceramics class recently; that might be cool someday, to be creative in other ways. The challenge is to discover what makes it cohesive and what makes sense. I keep saying it because it’s true — I’m always dabbling with something.
Follow Brand & Iron on Facebook and Instagram.
Photographs by Brand & Iron and James Escobar.
71 comments
Renee from RandMhandmade said 1 year ago
So many nice items!!
Michelle and Jay from SwishAndWag said 1 year ago
What a cool shop! Congratulations!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 1 year ago
Your story is wonderful! So glad you could leave your day job to take better care of you! Your shop is beautiful. Congratulations on the feature!
Mary Robertson from MaggiesInn said 1 year ago
What an amazing young man with an incredible story of overcoming his challenges and turning it around to create this beautiful shop. Bravo and wishing you amazing success!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 1 year ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Jordan for sharing your blessed journey, dabbling creativity, and wonderfully inspired products with us. - Peace.
Emilee Manley from YarnOverHookByEmilee said 1 year ago
Neat story!! Congrats on the feature!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 1 year ago
Perfect quality Christmas gift. Congratulations on the feature.
Maria B. from TheNorthWayStudio said 1 year ago
Everything about this is just incredible--the quality and aesthetic of your work is simply gorgeous. Plus, your pup is beyond adorable!! Congratulations on such a well-deserved feature!
Mandi from SnapCharmJewelry said 1 year ago
Wonderful feature! Great gift ideas for Christmas.
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 1 year ago
beautiful range of handmade pieces...so many options for gifting or just because...congrats on the feature!!!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 1 year ago
I LOVE your shop and products! Congrats on the feature.
allwood1 from AllWoodToo said 1 year ago
Wow! What a story! Nice work.... Kudos to the feature...
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Very nice shop. Congrats on the feature.
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 1 year ago
You have an inspiring story! It's great how you met your challenges head on and have adapted and prospered! Your creations and photography are top notch. Best wishes as your business grows and evolves.
Dorina van den Brandeler from DoriKri said 1 year ago
Amazing story!! Compliments for your shop from Italy!! Ciao!
DreamNDesign from DreamNDesign said 1 year ago
Such an amazing store keep up the hard work you are an inspiration!
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 1 year ago
Your story is so inspiring and I'm very glad you're doing well! It's also a good example of "Necessity being the mother of invention," since your need for an iPhone case led to your new career! Congrats and Best Wishes to you! ♥♥♥
bob pell from BobsOddsShop said 1 year ago
I really like your shop. And I really like leather.
Desiree Vatter from DVLifeInfused said 1 year ago
Inspiring!
Nicole from Crackerjackarma said 1 year ago
Love the rich colors they exude warmth and beauty. Cheers to much continued success !
Marisa M. from FeltInMyHeart said 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story and congratulations on the feature! Best wishes for all your future endeavors!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 1 year ago
Amazing designs!
Erika Iozsa from JasminBlancBoutique said 1 year ago
Loved this feature! Wonderful designs and a crazy special story :) Congrats on the beautiful work you are doing.
Etrennes from Etrennes said 1 year ago
Wonderful inspiration, designs and work. Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 1 year ago
What a great story. I like your leather style and looks. Sorry you got so sick, but it looks like you are doing well. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you the best of luck on your life and your business.
Zalooza from Zalooza said 1 year ago
Wonderful and inspirational story ... thank you for sharing! Best wishes, congrats and love your leather products and accessories!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 1 year ago
Your story is fantastic and your work is beautiful! :)
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 1 year ago
Great shop and products! Congratulations on the feature!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 1 year ago
Love your story and the attention to detail you put in every item. Congratulations on the feature!
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 1 year ago
Such a great story! I am so glad that you fell into something that you love to do! The best to you and your success! The hand stitching and cutting really make a difference!
Maryanne and John Fender from FenderMinerals said 1 year ago
Jordan, you are an inspiration. Congratulations!
Jane Strauss from janeysjewels said 1 year ago
Awesome article! Inspiring story! Congrats on the feature!
YouNeedMoreFiber from YouNeedMoreFiber said 1 year ago
Bravo. Great shop. Continued success.
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 1 year ago
Great shop and items! Congrats on the feature!
Kelli Collier from FRONIES said 1 year ago
Your story is very inspiring and up lifting. You are truly remarkable. Your shop is incredibly outstanding. Congratulations!
theBugsoftheBags from theBugsoftheBags said 1 year ago
Congrats on your creative job! We admire the strength and the power of your character. We wish you prosperity and many more creative projects. With kind regards from Greece.
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 1 year ago
Beautiful work and an inspiring story, love seeing your shop featured
Rebecca and Daniel from HabitNationUSA said 1 year ago
Handsome shop. I can almost smell the leather...everything looks so good. Happy to hear that you are well and healthy. Keep dabbling.
EightAcorns from EightAcorns said 1 year ago
Amazing! Congrats on the feature!
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 1 year ago
Beautiful shop!!! Congratulations on the feature!
Elizabeth Knaus from FreshRetroGallery said 1 year ago
Along with vintage and metal art, my husband dabbles in leather, too. I wish his studio was as well-organized and minimalist as yours, Jordan!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 1 year ago
Beautiful work and shop! Congratulations on the feature ♥
Kristin O'Keefe said 1 year ago
I'm so proud of you. This article is sweet and your story is so touching! Congrats!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Congratulations on the feature of your shop and much success :)
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 1 year ago
Love your shop! Congrats on the feature!
Vintage Gypsy Studios from BohemianGypsyCaravan said 1 year ago
Great stuff ! Love your dog !
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 1 year ago
Beautiful items. Congrats!
deardear from deardearArt said 1 year ago
so great ~~ good items
Wei from HoneyThistle said 1 year ago
Love the vibe of this shop! Also, I love that your shop has allowed you the flexibility of taking care of your health :)
Rosita from pillowlink said 1 year ago
It feels long lasting and good quality on your items. You should develope your brand and it may become world known! Wish you the best!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 1 year ago
Beautiful shop. Congratulations on the feature!
Papyrus from PapyrusCrafts said 1 year ago
Working with leather myself, have to say your work really is amazing, so do your story.
Julie Maddock from DecidedlyAdrift said 1 year ago
Beautiful story and amazing pictures! Great job on your shop!
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 1 year ago
your products are so beautiful and display excellent workmanship - congrats on the feature!
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 1 year ago
man man หล่อมาก
Julia from MASHUGANA said 1 year ago
Wow, beautiful work! Thank you for sharing!
Sonia Jorge from SJArte said 1 year ago
Deu-me mais inspiração para continuar . Hei de lá chegar a ter sucesso com o meu artesanato
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 1 year ago
Amazing work, keep walking!
Heidi Dankers from ChunksBabyJunk said 1 year ago
Congrats!! What a unique shop!
Bren from bstudio said 1 year ago
I love the simple, minimal designs you create. Congrats!
Narongsak Supa from narongsak said 1 year ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature!
Colleen O'Neal from truthbeautyandlove27 said 1 year ago
I love this shop, I see many ideas in the shop for Christmas gifts!
Sofia from KedzieAve said 1 year ago
Ugh. Marry me, ya creative beast.
Laura Diaz- Alberto from LaDiwithaBaBy said 1 year ago
I love your hands! They are truly special. God bless.
Suzanne Rorick from SRorickArt said 1 year ago
You have beautiful shop with lovely classic designs. The dog is super cute too!
Elena from Chorovod said 1 year ago
Great! I liked it.
Valentina Kasyanova from YuMeBrand said 1 year ago
Cool!!!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 1 year ago
Amazing product ! So ... zen !
FuchsiaMoon from TheFuchsiaMoon said 1 year ago
Its inspiring for us to see others succeeding amidst managing health challenges. I have auto immune disease. There are always going to be challenges down the road, but our Esty shops keep me going. Best wishes, Jordan! Thank you for sharing Jordan's inspiring story Karen. Thank you for the beautiful photos Jordan and James, they tell a great story too!
Luke Talcott from TripleTFab said 1 year ago
Great story! Good work!
Ashlee Alvis from WindyMoonByAshlee said 347 days ago
This is so beautiful! So glad you're back to good health and enjoying your work!