MEET THE DESIGNER / TERESA PAUL

"Helping my grandmother thread the needle is where it all started. Soon after that I would watch my mom sew us all frilly skirts and become inspired to do my own. The humming of the sewing machine is a sound I often heard in our home growing up. Throughout my life the sewing machine was never put away. It maintained a permanent spot, and the fabrics and patterns piled up.

My love for sewing and pattern making took a wild turn in the mid 90's when I was asked for my creative input and talent to be brought forth to an industrial leather manufacturing glove factory. The thought of it horribly bored of me, but I accepted this challenge. I soon learned of leathers and industrial sewing machines. I quickly fell in love with the look and feel of leather goods and decided to create a line based on our Canadian leathers.

Moose, Deer, Elk, Bison, Buffalo and Caribou. These leathers had great properties, were washable and had undeniable strength performances. After watching the offshore import business take a chunk out of the industrial side of manufacturing, it was then I decided to create a line of my own. A truly Made in Canada, Made From Canada line of leather goods, apparel and accessories.

Canadian handcrafted leather goods is where I wanted to be. It started off with a single moosehide mitt and decades later, hundreds of items have been added to the line. Being a small Canadian business, independently owned can be a tough ride at times, but when the show is on the road, and literally thousands of people compliment and purchase my products, it all seems worthwhile. Mitts, gloves, slippers, moccasins, purses and handbags, and accessory items are only a few to mention. My inspiration never stops, as it is derived from my roots, surroundings, people, life and day-to-day routines."