The Leather Leap: How Leather Became My Calling
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Time to read: 6 min
Eight years ago, I made a life-changing decision. I walked away from a cushy six-figure consulting job with no plan or safety net in place. At the time, I had just finished earning my MBA, and I thought I was on the right track. But after just one year in the corporate world, I felt like I was suffocating. The work, the environment, everything seemed to drain me from the inside out. I knew that I needed to make a bold move, so I quit my job. I had no idea what would come next, but there was one thing I was sure about: I had to return to something I truly loved—leather.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What inspired me to leave a six-figure consulting job and pursue a career in leather craftsmanship?
- How does the PEGAI brand's evolution into three distinct lines reflect my vision for the future of leather craftsmanship?
- What societal issues do I aim to uncover through my Leathertainment videos, and how has this journey evolved over time?
Let's dive into the leatherverse again —one review, one dissection, and one video at a time.
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
What's Inside?
The Humble Beginnings: An Etsy Shop From Etsy to Millions of Views: The Birth of Leathertainment The Vision for PEGAI: Evolution of the Brand Signature Line Tanner Leatherstein PEGAI Diving Deeper into Leather: The Leathertainment Journey Gratitude and Looking Ahead to the Future Want to read more? Frequently Asked Questions About Tanner
The Humble Beginnings: An Etsy Shop
With no real plan in place, I took a leap of faith and started an Etsy shop. The goal was simple—sell a few wallets a week. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a small corner of the internet to explore my passion. I poured my heart and soul into creating leather goods, hoping that a small community would appreciate them. Little did I know that this humble beginning would evolve into something much bigger.
From Etsy to Millions of Views: The Birth of Leathertainment
Fast forward to last week, and that small Etsy shop crossed 100,000 sales. Two years ago, I started my social media account to share daily videos about leather. What began as a simple idea grew into a community, and today, millions of you watch my Leathertainment videos. When I first started, I never imagined this would be the outcome. But following my passion opened doors that I never knew existed. It was a journey I hadn’t planned for, but it was exactly what I needed.
The Vision for PEGAI: Evolution of the Brand
As my journey continued, the vision for my brand began to take shape. This year, I’m excited to share that PEGAI is evolving. We're taking things to the next level by splitting it into three distinct brands, each with its own unique identity:
Atelier PEGAI
This will be my creative playground for rustic, rugged leather goods. It’s for the original Home of my Etsy community, offering timeless yet edgy pieces that capture the spirit of craftsmanship.
Signature Line Tanner Leatherstein
This is where luxury meets functionality. A new luxury challenger, Tanner Leatherstein will feature refreshing, unique designs crafted from exclusive leathers, custom hardware, and exceptional craftsmanship—without the fluff or inflated price tags that often accompany luxury products.
PEGAI
The core of the brand, this will remain focused on timeless, classic designs using specialty leathers, aimed at true leather connoisseurs. It’s for those who truly appreciate the finer details of leather craftsmanship.
Diving Deeper into Leather: The Leathertainment Journey
As for the content of Leathertainment, we are diving deeper into the world of luxury leather. What began with a simple question of what makes luxury leather special—“Are they really worth it?”—has evolved. Through two years of dissecting products, we’ve uncovered layers that go beyond just material quality. The question now extends to the deeper issues of how today’s pseudo-luxury connects to societal flaws like modern slavery and gender inequality. Together, we will continue to uncover these untold secrets, one video at a time.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead to the Future
To everyone who has been part of this journey, I want to say thank you. Your support has meant the world to me. This adventure wouldn’t be what it is without each and every one of you. And as we look ahead, the future couldn’t be brighter. 2025 is going to be epic, and we are just getting started. I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you, exploring leather, luxury, and everything in between. Let’s see where it takes us!
Want to read more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Unfortunately, not at this time.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Thank you for your interest in our "Rip My Bag/Chopping Block - Incognito" review program! This initiative offers leather brands a chance to be featured in front of a highly engaged audience.
- Limited Spots: We are only accepting 25 brands this year (2025), so space is limited.
- How to Apply: Submit your brand via the link below to join the waitlist. We will assess your products against our program’s standards. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
- Notification: We’ll notify you of the results once the assessment is complete.
Program Fee: $1,250 USD
This fee covers production, due diligence, and content creation costs.
Please review the full terms and conditions available on the link for detailed information about the process.
We look forward to collaborating with you and showcasing quality craftsmanship to our audience!
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
