Imagine, or perhaps remember - sitting alone during lockdown in 2020, with nothing but time to scroll the internet and the seemingly endless roll of YouTube videos. Perhaps it was a time of boredom and agony for some, but for a self-confessed introvert like myself, it was the perfect opportunity to discover a new interest.
Before the seed of Winning Goods was firmly planted in my mind, I tried and failed at starting a couple of other businesses in the past. After working for 10 years in restaurants and clubs, in 2019 I decided to work part-time and pursue the dream of self-employment and getting a side hustle. With just 1 extra day off per week, I had the time and energy to seriously consider running my own business. To make a long story short, let's just say my first 2 ideas failed, were stressful, and expensive, but taught me a lot of lessons - most importantly, I learned what I didn't want to do.
Discovering the World of Leather Craft
Back to lockdown, I stumbled upon the phenomena of the leather craft community. Back at school, I was always creative and obsessed with woodwork. I've always been excited about crafting something, but never found an outlet. School ended, life got in the way, and I ended up pursuing a love of food and drink instead.
Upon discovering leather craft, a spark lit up inside me, and my introverted obsessive nature began to dream of making leather goods. I thought, 'hey, I can do that. It doesn't look that hard'. So, after a few months of obsessing, I asked for a beginner's leather crafting kit and some scrap leather.
From Christmas Furlough to Leather Crafting Mastery
During Christmas 2020, I was furloughed from the restaurant, and I was at home with the family, armed with a new leather craft kit. Due to a wave of coronavirus, my 1-week visit home turned into 3 weeks, and I spent the whole time at the kitchen table, making keychains, trinkets, and, funnily enough, a basic version of an umbrella sling.
Over the following 3 years, I obsessively taught myself skills and established my design principles for Winning Goods. With thanks to interested acquaintances and new friends, Winning Goods has turned into what it is today. I have worked with Soho House / Soho Works and AERA, as well as completing a few commissions too.
The Gratitude and Excitement for the Future
I never dreamed I'd learn so much in such a short space of time. I couldn't be more grateful to everyone who has supported me along this road, and I'm so excited for the future of Winning Goods. Let's just say I have lots of ideas, and I'd love to take you on the ride with me - so check back for more posts about Winning Goods past and present.
Thanks for reading,
Matt.
[Photo Credit: Guy Stevens in conjunction with AERA]