KICKSTARTER

Hello! I am Mia, the owner and artist behind Cicada Leather Company. I am always working to expand and improve my business. And now through this Kickstater you can help me!

Cicada Leather Company makes high-quality, long-lasting leather goods including wallets, bags, belt, and jewelry. I strive to make leather pieces which are durable and age beautifully. I use traditional tools (no machines), and traditional methods. Each item is cut by hand, hand-stitched, and hand finished. With all that direct attention, each finished item has a unique quality that only artisan crafted items have. 

I grew up in my parents' specialty toy store. There I learned to spend money on quality products. I learned the value of a unique product. Most of all, I learned the importance of small businesses to the American economy. With that in mind, I started Cicada Leather Company. I began working with leather in a high school art class. It was one of many mediums we learned that semester but it was the only one I fell in love with. I begged for leatherworking tools for Christmas. Now years later, I am still using these tools. It is time to upgrade from old craft tools to professional tools. In order to improve the quality of my products I must improve the quality of my tools. 

In the South, there are cicadas which only emerge once every 17 years.  I was born in North Carolina on one of those years.  Cicadas, with their tank-like bodies and lacy wings, have always personally represented the balance between durability and delicateness.  It is that combination of form and function which i strive to implement into my work. 

The Project:

 Cicada Leather Co. is off to a strong start. I am thrilled about the successes I've had and enthusiastic for the ones to come. However, without external assistance CLC can not reach its full potential. First of all, I need supporters and cheerleaders. With out your encouragement this is not possible.

Additionally, Cicada Leather Company needs a camera. We strive to make high quality leather products. As we are largely an online store, our images need to be of equal quality.

I plan on purchasing top quality American tanned leathers. The tanneries from which I will purchase are family-run small tanneries which have been in business for a century.

The remaining funds will go towards purchasing tools which will improve the quality of our products. Included in this will be an American-made makers mark. This tool will allow me to stamp my logo into my work. Other tools such as strap cutters, grommet setters, and edge bevelers will be purchases. All these tools are necessary to creating the beautiful, sturdy, long-lasting products that I will be proud to put my name on.

In exchange for your donation, you will receive your own high-quality leather product(s). These product will last for years. They are conditioned and made water-resistant and will survive extreme environments and hectic lifestyles.

As a reward for backing this project you will receive luxurious leathergoods made of high quality American-made materials.

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Please remember that if I do not reach my goal then I do not get any of the funds.

Thank you!