Turning leather crafting into a side hustle

Mark Ngo, a 39-year-old Filipino advertising agent, started leather crafting in 2017 to earn extra income.

“I’m not yet at the level where I can leave my work and do this full-time,” the microenterpreneur, who is behind the seven-year-old brand Marked, said in an interview. “It can support some expenses, but in terms of supporting my family, I’m not there yet.”

Leather crafting can be turned into a side hustle, but profitability depends on what type of crafter you are and the time you put in the business, he said.

A leather crafter can mass produce, accept custom orders or can be like himself, who sells his own designs, Mr. Ngo said. “How long can you make an order? If it’s too long, clients will back out.”

Mass production of products such as keychains and souvenirs could be the more profitable route, but it requires more hands to fulfill orders.

He said it’s difficult to sell leather because it’s expensive and competition is tough.

“You need to invest time, learn the techniques, buy the materials and promote your products,” he said. “You must like what you do to keep going.”

Mr. Ngo started making his own leather goods seven years ago because he couldn’t find a leather satchel with the style he wanted.

His wife pushed him to enroll at the SoFa Design Institute, where he studied basic bag-making and patterns. He later ventured into leather crafting.

Mr. Ngo developed his own aesthetics through constant practice and continuous learning from books and videos.

He said starting out was trickier before than it is now because supplies were limited. Online shopping at that time was uncommon and he got his tools from an obscure website.

Marikina City, the country’s shoe capital, is the place to go for leather supplies, he added.

“I had an idea which stores catered to leather crafting,” Mr. Ngo said. “Before, I would go to Nation Shoe Supply and later, to Tony Tony Leather Crafting. They started offering different leather materials and leather articles.”

He set up an e-commerce website only to discontinue it after finding out that customers preferred to message him on Instagram, where he showcases his products.

Mr. Ngo said he gets inquiries from overseas buyers who back out after finding out about expensive shipping fees.

Mr. Ngo sells wallets and bags that cost as low as P3,000 ($53) and upwards of P10,000. “That’s how you profit in a way, if you put value on your work. But the quality should match your work.”

Mr. Ngo, who requires a 50% downpayment to start a project, says he doesn’t stock too much leather.

Humidity can bring about molds, and natural leather can oxidize, he pointed out.

It’s helpful to identify early on what you want to focus on — whether its bags or belts — because this helps you master the craft, Mr. Ngo said. Just as helpful is brushing up on knowledge, whether through formal school or YouTube.

He also cautioned budding crafters from buying materials all at once.

“Buy as you need so you don’t end up buying everything,” he said. “But if you want to buy quality tools, be ready to shell out money.” — Patricia B. Mirasol