Chicago’s Last Tannery 12 years ago
Hey there! I'm Erik, the guy behind J. Stark. I started by failing. I know that sounds funny, but I just started making things and learning 1 little piece to make better in the next iteration.
I worked nights and weekends. I'm still not able to support myself 100% with this venture, but I have my heart in it and I'm willing to hustle and grind until I can.
The first clients were free. Mostly friends and people I met that I asked what product they needed most. Then I went off and tried to make it. The reaction when someone holds something made by your hand is like a drug.
If you want to talk more about it, feel free to email me. info [at] starkmade [dot] com