It all started when Michael Stricklin, senior in architecture, studied abroad in Europe during his spring semester of 2011.
"I began to pay more attention to details in certain things, and I noticed what I didn't like about them and how to improve them," Stricklin said.
He then stumbled upon the Portland-based blog Wood & Faulk that features tutorials for making various accessories, mostly made of leather.
Stricklin said he noticed the tutorials were similar to models he uses in architecture, and he began crafting his own.
"I thought, 'Hey, this is easy,' and I knew that I really wanted to build things, and I've always wanted to have my own business," he said.
This sparked the beginning of 1813, a branch of M.STRCKLN GARMENT & DESIGN. 1813 boasts handmade leather iPhone cases, wallets and business card holders.
"I started out wanting to do denim, but I realized it's much harder to get started that way," Stricklin said. "The moment I started with leather I knew I wanted to keep working with it. It's such a nice material, and you can really just about make anything out of it."
Stricklin then showed his design to friends, and word of his designs began to spread.
The Locker Room on Magnolia Avenue recently started selling his iPhone wallet, and products are also sold through the MSGD Facebook page.
The idea and preparation of 1813 began in January 2012, but Stricklin said he began making and selling the designs in May.
He began the process of sketching endless possible templates for the iPhone wallet. Stricklin said he knew he wanted it to be simple, yet well-made.
Stricklin settled on a one-piece template that holds an iPhone, a few credit cards and cash.
"It's only one thing to worry about," Stricklin said. "I wanted to consolidate everything and simplify it, too. I think living a simpler life is much better; an older way of life."
All products are hand-cut, dyed and stitched, and he frequently travels to Atlanta to pick which quality leather he finds to hold the best for the iPhone wallet.
"Every aspect of the business, from manufacturing and production to distribution, I do all myself," Stricklin said.
Although the wallets fall on the expensive side, Stricklin said "it's quality, handmade and better than plastic. It gets better with age."
Any product is customizable, and Stricklin said he hopes to create more designs as his business continues to develop.
In the future, Stricklin plans to expand his business by starting a luxury line of leather products and also finishing his website in order to sell most of his products online.
"If I were selling 50 wallets a week, I'd be happy living a comfortable life where I could travel and live in a lot of different places," he said. "I still want to be an architect, just maybe not immediately. There's nothing like being your own boss. I want to be the type of man that made himself."
To purchase products from Stricklin, visit the company’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MSGDco
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