Our Story

Maileid Leather is a small family-owned leather craft shop where we design and hand-make beautiful, functional wallets that last a lifetime.

Maileid started amidst a few things coming together.

Ontario’s first COVID lockdown had just been imposed. My family and I were thankful for our health and more time together, yet I also found I needed a creative outlet. After finishing a few art pieces, I decided on a new  project. I was tired of my old, disintegrating, folding ‘genuine leather’ wallet that was overstuffed with things I didn’t need every day. 

I wanted something different, better. 

So I purchased some leather and a few tools with the idea of making my own wallet. 

And my life changed. 

I invested hundreds of hours of learning and making, striving to create something beautiful and functional. Through the challenges and some frustrations, I told myself that if other artists and craftspeople can make something beautiful, then so can I. 

Eventually, I had a wallet refined to what I needed, and was proud of.  

A wallet that...

Was minimal in feel, not bulky 

Held what I needed, about 6 or 7 cards 

Gave me quick access 

Felt good every time I picked it up 

Was substantial enough that I could feel its durability, and knew it would serve me for a lifetime

Was made with high quality full grain leather 

Aged beautifully with me, and even told its own story over time.

After giving a few wallets as gifts, people started asking if I sold my wallets. It seemed only natural. I loved what I was doing and was so grateful to be able to do it every day. I wanted to aim for more. 

My partner, through encouragement but also as a creative and talented writer and editor, combined with her experience in marketing, has helped me transform my hobby into what has become a small family-owned business. 

I hope you will enjoy your Maileid Leather as much as we love making it for you. 

Thank you for your support.