About Us
At the Bench: The Story Behind Chandeleur Leather
I didn’t set out to become a leatherworker.
One afternoon in Biloxi, sitting at The Cigar Shoppe, a friend pulled out a cigar case that stopped me in my tracks. Black leather, red lining, precision-built. It was beautiful — and way out of my price range.
I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Not because I couldn’t have that one, but because I realized I wanted something like it — something made with intention.
So I decided to make my own.
It wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But it was mine. Built by hand, for a purpose. And it had a soul to it that I couldn’t stop chasing. That was the beginning — a few tools, a lot of mistakes, and a stubborn streak that hasn’t let up since.
Why We Make
At Chandeleur Leather, every piece is made with purpose — not just for how it looks, but for how it lives. A good wallet or clutch doesn’t just hold your things. It carries your story.
We work with leathers chosen for how they age as much as how they look today. They wear in, not out. They take on character. That transformation — from raw hide to lasting heirloom — is where the beauty lies.
Our Mark
Our heron’s body faces forward into the future, but its head looks back — honoring the craft and heritage that came before us. Framed in a classic oval, it’s a symbol of patience, elegance, and timeless design. A mark that ties us to the Gulf Coast we call home, while carrying our story into tomorrow.
We’re Not a Luxury Brand
At least not in the way you think.
We’re not chasing trends. We don’t make fast fashion. And we’re not here to plaster giant logos on everything.
We make things that last — physically and emotionally. You’re not paying for hype. You’re paying for time, skill, and design. For a piece that holds up after years of use. That patina, that wear pattern? That’s your story written into the leather, one day at a time.
Who We’re For
Not a “target demographic.” Just people.
People who appreciate craft. Who believe in buying less, but buying better. Who want the things they own to mean something.
Whether you’re carrying a wallet every day, gifting a clutch, or commissioning a custom piece — you’re part of the journey.
Where We’re Going
Right now, Chandeleur Leather is one man in a workshop, building one piece at a time.
But the goal has always been bigger: to build a brand that stands for something — for quality, for care, for meaning.
And if a piece from Chandeleur Leather finds its way into your hands, I hope it stays there for a very long time.
— Michael