Episode 4 · Season 1 · San Francisco, CA
FROM ETSY TO ARTISTRY: Leatherworker Ian James on a self-taught path, business resilience, & transformative art
Ian James is a leatherworker and designer in San Francisco with a retail space and workshop under his own name. Recorded there, this episode follows the path from dropping out of Parsons to selling on Etsy to opening a store — the day-to-day of the craft, the cost of a brick-and-mortar, what the pandemic did to the business, and the turn into fine art.
August 7, 2025 · 35 min
Episode notes
In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with leatherworker Ian James, in his namesake brand’s retail space and workshop in San Francisco, California.
Their conversation unpacks Ian’s journey from dropping out of Parsons to launching his own label and opening a retail space in San Francisco. Ian shares insights into the day-to-day life of a leatherworker, the challenges of running a brick and mortar store, and how he has pushed boundaries in bag design to create meaningful art.
Ian also delves into his transition into fine art, the impact of the pandemic on his business, and offers advice for aspiring leatherworkers. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and the artistry of leatherwork.
The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.
Chapters
What's in this episode
- 00:00 Resilience and Creativity: Overcoming Challenges
- 00:23 Welcome to The Trades Show
- 01:18 Introducing Ian James: Leatherworker and Designer
- 02:16 A Day in the Life of Ian James
- 03:25 The Journey from Parsons to Etsy
- 05:34 The Evolution of Ian James' Designs
- 08:37 The Transition to Leatherworking
- 13:29 Balancing Corporate Life and Craftsmanship
- 17:10 Starting the Retail Journey
- 17:44 Opening the First Store
- 18:10 Challenges and Costs of Setting Up
- 20:08 Struggles and Adaptations
- 22:05 Creative Breakthroughs
- 24:27 Exploring Leather Art
- 31:56 Advice for Aspiring Leatherworkers
- 34:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Meet the guest
Ian James
Ian James is a leatherworker in San Francisco, CA.
Ian James is also on The Corral, the national jobs board for artisans and the shops that hire them.