Made to Endure
If you’re a bona fide leather lover, then you know it can be difficult to find a quality piece. Mass-produced options often don’t offer the same durability or unique appeal, and local leather makers aren’t exactly a dime a dozen. If you live in central Indiana and want a leather piece that will last a lifetime, check out Howl + Hide in Fountain Square.
Howl + Hide is a labor of love, one that began in a basement circa 2014. Founder and creative director Christian Resiak started making leather goods as a hobby and form of self-expression a little more than a decade ago. Born of a passion for creating tangible goods and long-lasting, quality leather products, Resiak would eventually turn his Mass Ave. workshop into a storefront in 2016.
“I love all things related to style. Around 2013, I had been eyeing leather bags for some time and noticed they were not made particularly well. I love making things with my hands and thought, why not try and make it myself? I started by cutting up leather jackets from Goodwill and hand-stitching. Many years of blood, sweat and tears, and we are here today,” he says.
Eventually, Resiak expanded his offerings. While most traditional leather crafters outsource manufacturing once they’ve hit capacity, Resiak was determined to find a better approach to maintain his dedication to quality. He purchased more machinery, hired staff and set out to teach them the skills they’d need to boost production without sourcing from outside the country. All things said, he feels good about where he’s been and where the store is headed.
“The most difficult part of my journey was going from student to teacher,” he says. “I will always be a student and always improve myself. But when I got to the point of hiring individuals and teaching them, it took on another level of importance and responsibility. It means this company belongs to more than just myself. We have 12 employees now, and I am still learning, but those employees make me want to show up and be the best version of myself every day.”
The team at Howl + Hide is dedicated to community and equity and has created practices that reflect those core beliefs. Their staff is inclusive, their store is a safe space for humans from all walks of life, they recycle leather scraps and make charitable donations to support those in need. Most importantly, they like to have fun while doing what they love.
Nestled in the heart of Fountain Square, Howl + Hide offers a wide variety of goods, including leather bags, wallets, travel accessories and belts, along with apparel items. If you’re in the market for a homegrown, handmade leather piece, it’s time to visit Howl + Hide.
“Howl + Hide makes Honest American Fashion. Honesty means transparency around where your dollars are going and why,” Resiak says. “American means respect for our roots in our design and a commitment to making everything in the USA. And fashion means we create pieces that are elevated and artistically designed, meant to be styled and appreciated intentionally.”
Learn more about Howl + Hide at howlandhidesupply.com or visit the store at 1046 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis.
