Nestled in the pristine Northwest of the United States, Emerald Leather is dedicated to bringing you exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled care for your cherished leather goods. We specialize in cleaning, restoring, and creating exquisite handmade items with the utmost respect for tradition and quality. At Emerald Leather, we use only the finest materials, including premium vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leathers, and we never compromise by using leather substitutes.

Emerald Leather Company was founded by artisan Kelsey Riser, a seasoned leatherworker with a deep appreciation for the artistry of classical leather craft. After honing her skills at a saddle shop and serving as the lead designer for a motorcycle bag studio, Kelsey decided to forge her own path. Combining her years of hands-on experience with a passion for preserving leatherworking traditions, she established Emerald Leather as a haven for those who value timeless craftsmanship.

Growing up on a golf course with her siblings, Kelsey’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by a creative venture: hunting for lost golf balls at night, meticulously cleaning them, and selling them back to golfers the next morning. But it wasn’t just about selling golf balls; Kelsey and her brothers took the time to learn about the different brands and grades, ensuring they could price them appropriately and offer their customers a fair deal. This early experience not only taught her the value of hard work and attention to detail but also fostered a deep curiosity for understanding the materials she worked with—a trait that carries into her leather craft today.

Just as she once transformed discarded golf balls into something valuable, Kelsey now channels that same dedication to quality and expertise into her leatherwork, selecting the finest materials and delivering exceptional craftsmanship for every project.

“It was an incredible journey that helped me master a wide range of skills,” Kelsey recalls about her early career. “From designing products to teaching tooling techniques to leather workers, both new and seasoned, I gained a profound understanding of leather’s versatility. I even had the joy of teaching a blind student whose determination and humor made every challenge worthwhile. It was an honor to share the craft with such inspiring individuals.”

Trained in quintessential Western leatherworking, Kelsey developed a unique style rooted in hand-tooled details and heavy-duty craftsmanship. Her time at the saddle shop instilled a love for the rugged durability of traditional methods, while her experience designing motorcycle bags exposed her to modern techniques. Yet, it also deepened her appreciation for the sturdier, more robust applications she truly enjoys.