Meet Character Country Leather Goods
If you love the look, feel, durability and character of fine leather, then you owe it to yourself to check out Character Country Leather Goods.
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Owner Noah Irish started Character Country with the goal of becoming a craftsman, and looked to his entrepreneurial family members as inspiration. “My father, cousins, and uncle are/were business owners. So I saw a good pattern, but I did not start leather working with a business in mind. It was a desire to master a material that lead me here,” Noah says.
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His family continues to play an integral role in his business. Noah’s wife co-owns Character Country and the birth of his daughter brought a sense of urgency to his new venture. “I wanted to start leather working but it was aways a ‘someday idea’. Once I became a parent, I realized my mortality. This pushed me to just jump in and get started.”​
​As with many small businesses, Character Country began at a familiar place. “I started at the kitchen table and went through several spaces until I moved into a shed in our backyard. I love that I have the room to be creative and messy. But like any other maker, I just need a little more space,” Noah says with a smile.
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In business for six years now, Character Country offers a wide selection of handcrafted, time-tested leather goods, including wallets, journals, dog collars, coaster sets, cast iron handles, key fobs, knife sheaths, lighter cases and more.
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To those who’ve long dreamed about following their passion, Noah says, “Many people have expressed a desire to be creative, but are waiting for the perfect time to start. I encourage them to just start. Learn as you go.” And keep at it. “Consistency may be the largest factor to success, whatever that may look like to you.”
The connection to Kitsap’s artistic community has also been gratifying. “I was surprised by how much joy I found in connecting with other makers and creatives.” Noah adds, “I did not expect leather work to connect me to such a cool community.”
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Character Country Leather Goods may be found at Life in Mauve, The Grove, and Little Bee Home, and online at www.charactercountry.com, on Instagram, and on Facebook.