Some do it out of habit or nostalgia. “For example, they have been using a wallet for many years and are so used to its design that it’s part of them now. Now that it is worn with age, they are frustrated they cannot find the same one off the shelf anymore,” she explained.
Some have distinct needs – they want a specific compartment of a specific size for something they carry, such as a particular brand of wet tissue; or a specific number of card slots and compartments in a certain colour for fengshui reasons, she added.
The most compelling stories, however, are the emotional ones.
“Recently, a guy came to customise a bag for his wife because they had just lost their beloved husky,” she said.
Sobbing, the man told Addynna that the bag was meant to symbolise the bond his wife and dog had, a “parting gift” from their husky, to tell her not to grieve but carry the wonderful moments they had together wherever she goes, literally.
“The outside of the bag was in her favourite colours – orange and green. The inside of the bag incorporated the white-and-black colours of the dog’s coat, the date he was born, and the date he passed on,” Addynna added.
HER JOURNEY AS A LEATHER CRAFTSMAN
Stories like these are why the 38-year-old leathercrafter gladly works 10- to 12-hour days.
“It is the connection I make with people. Sometimes, during a one-hour consultation, they will share their whole life story,” she smiled.
Forest Child offers cardholders, wallets and other leather goods on their website where customers can customise the colour, thread and debossing details starting from S$22 for a key tag to S$294 for a bi-fold wallet with coin pouch.
However, most customers come for her bespoke goods, which Addynna sketches out after a consultation, creates a paper mock-up template and crafts to the customer’s specifications. This costs upwards of S$500.
One wine connoisseur asked her to make a large wine bag with detachable padded leather compartments to fit four wine glasses, a wine bottle and a decanter. The price tag: Around S$2,000.
