Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Avila.
Jocelyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Working with leather started as an exploration of new materials to incorporate into Rob’s woodworking skills but Jocelyn and Rob quickly fell in love with the versatility and durability of the material. It was a matter of a few weekends before Rob was hand sewing a messenger bag and Jocelyn was sketching designs for a unique card wallet that didn’t have to be replaced each year. After gifting a variety of their creations to friends and family they decided to apply to some local holiday markets and to their surprise we’re accepted into all of them. Over the next several years and throughout a global pandemic the business slowly evolved from a side hustle for each of them into a full time venture when they purchased a storefront and workshop in Swissvale in 2023. The product line and craftsmanship has grown over the last 8 years but the mission for Jocelyn and Rob has stayed the same; two people creating leather goods by hand at an affordable price without sacrificing quality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The elements that are out of our control have been the biggest roadblocks and catalysts for change. Tanneries have closed or downsized, requiring us to change the options we have for our products when leather that we had been using becomes unavailable.
Being a two person operation also presents a lot of challenges because we wear so many hats. It is hard to know where to focus our energy, but have found that meeting and chatting with other small businesses is incredibly helpful to talk through and address similar challenged together.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We have always believed that our work is inspired by Pittsburgh’s industrial past, and evolving present. We focus on making things that are hardworking and made to last over flashy or gimicky. We use full grain leather from U.S. tanneries and solid brass hardware that is dependable for years to come. our design philosophy is simple, create products that will last.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In terms of the leather goods industry, we have always avoided things that are trendy or current in favor or more dependable and utilitarian products.
I think the small maker industry is poised to make a comeback over the next 5 to 10 years though. People are tired of some random e-commerce product that looks good in photos then shows up on your doorstep and doest meet your expectations. shopping small and local means you are interacting with real people instead of chat-bots, and I think the value of that will become more and more apparent moving forward.
Pricing:
- wallets $35-60
- Bags $140-200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clarkmorelia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/clarkmorelia
