Zelaki Leather - ethically sourced, sustainably made

Zelaki Leather Company’s Jinka Belt Bag in Burguncy

Day three of leather week and we wanted to feature our friends from northern Indiana, Zelaki Leather Company. We first became acquainted with owners Demeke and Aubrey while doing shows in Chicago. Having a common interest in leather work, we immediately became friends and had many conversations about leather.

Zelaki Leather Company differs from most of our featured makers here in that Demeke and Aubrey do not make each piece themselves but instead partner with a small business in Ethiopia (where Demeke is originally from) to have their designs made in a way that supports workers in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. By having their products made there, workers are able to earn livable wages in an area where overpopulation limits opportunities for many people. In addition to employing people, a portion of every sale also supports KIBIR Consultants, an organization that is dedicated to training and equipping entrepreneurs in Ethiopia.

Zelaki’s classic hand-bound journal in stone

As it comes to products, Zelaki Leather Company has a wide array of items, all designed by Demeke and Aubrey. You will find crossbody bags, totes, backpacks, briefcases, wallets, and journals, among other offerings. The Jinka Belt Bag and Card Wallet are a couple of my favorites and the journals are always good sellers at the shows that Zelaki participates in.

Please go visit the Zelaki Leather Company website and give them a follow on Instagram. While family obligations have led to Demeke and Aubrey not doing as many shows recently, you will still be able to find them occasionally and can always reach them from their website.

The Card Wallet in Olive - how great is this color???