Meet Jennifer Thompson | Leathersmith and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?

As a mom of three kids and a business owner, I hope that I have impacted my children in many ways: the value of determination and resilience, being true to your own moral code and values, the importance of partnership and relationship building, etc. My children enjoy watching me work, they are curious and creative and often talk about wanting to “do leather, like mama” when they are grown. Truly, while I started East to Opal to fulfill my own creative needs, I’ve kept it alive for my kids, and for my relationship with them.

When I began working with leather in 2018, I was approaching 15 years of tenure in my stable long-term career, essentially a “9 to 5” job, which had comfortably supported my family for many years. I had three kids: my oldest son, who was about four years old at the time, and my newborn twins. I originally delved into leatherwork to rekindle my own passion for art and creating things after a difficult pregnancy and post-partum experience. In 2020, I took the next steps to making East to Opal a full-fledged business, built a social media following, established an ecommerce platform, and began selling my pieces. At the time, leatherwork was merely a side hustle, yet the business was expanding swiftly, outpacing my capacity to manage it. There simply wasn’t enough of me to dedicate to my kids, my husband, my career, my business… let alone myself. I was still working 45-50 hours per week at my day job, plus travelling and developing in my role. By the end of the day, I was lucky to see my children for an hour or two before they went to bed, after which I’d stay up for hours cutting, staining, and stitching leather for a new release or custom order. The next morning I’d rush off to work on a few hours of sleep, typically leaving our home before my kids had even woken up.

This pattern became our “normal” until 2022, when my eldest son, then seven years old, underwent an invasive reconstructive surgery. This was actually his fourth major surgery, having undergone a number of procedures at ages two, three, and five. I took multiple leaves of absence from my career to be there for him as we faced yet another medical journey together as a family. Watching your child go through a serious health battle is extremely harrowing. I think a lot of parents probably wish they could be more present for their children, even when those children are perfectly healthy. With my son hospitalized yet again, I began to question my priorities even more than I always had. I knew then that I had been offering far more of myself to my career than I had been to my family, and that realization was painful. My employer was incredibly supportive during this period, but that time spent away from my career helped me to realize that I could, in fact, support my family without relying on my day job.

Later that year, I officially stepped down from my career position and began to focus more heavily on my family. My husband and I sold our large home in the suburbs and we moved to a remote parcel of land, dramatically decreasing our monthly bills, while also giving my family access to a more peaceful and grounded childhood. I began homeschooling my kids to allow greater flexibility with my son’s medical needs. And I began committing my professional efforts to my very own business for the first time.

In the few years since I resigned from my position, my relationship with my family has grown stronger. I’ve become more patient and purposeful with my time, and more appreciative of the experiences I share with my children. My business has grown to be quite successful and I’ve built a number of healthy professional and social relationships that I never would have had time to nurture in my previous career. As a family, we travel more often and we try new things and share new experiences more often. Ultimately, I am living more life while encouraging my family to do the same. I suppose that’s what I hope I have imparted to my children – an understanding that life is more than just work, or school, or a career, or making money. I hope that I’ve shown them how fulfilling life can be if you give it a chance, and give yourself a chance to experience it.

I think we’ve all had someone tell us to “live life to the fullest” at some point, and we’ve all rolled our eyes. I always felt as though I had no choice but to work tirelessly, as if that were the essence of “living life.” East to Opal started as an artistic outlet, a way to express my passion for making and creating. I never saw it growing into a job or a career. But this little side hustle has afforded me the freedom to be more present, more grateful, and more helpful to others in my short time on this planet. I hope my children see those qualities in me and find inspiration to do the same as they grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a leathersmith and small business owner specializing in leather jewelry, accessories and bags. All of my items are cut, stained, painted, and sewn by hand meaning each one is unique. I also do a lot of one-of-a-kind bespoke items, mostly with a fanciful or whimsical vibe. I love making pieces that help give my customers a sense of escapism from normal life.

When I first started learning to work leather, I found that most other makers, especially here in Colorado, were more Western focused smiths. So as a beginner, I also started with western designs and western inspired product. My husband and I have connections with several western fashion makers and influencers so it was a comfortable start for me to partner with others who already had clout in the industry. From a business standpoint, this was a good choice. But from a personal perspective, western designs never felt like “me.” After a few years, I changed directions, which was, admittedly, a huge shock for the following I had built online. I made the transition in stages, and tried to ease my more loyal customers into the idea that I wouldn’t be designing with western flair moving forward. I have always had a passion for fantasy, myth, and historical influence on fashion. My items now reflect the moody drama I love in fashion and I am lucky to offer custom pieces to those looking for more Avant Garde items. While the majority of my product is now what many would consider to be alternative or dark, I have kept a few designs that are more transitional between the old styles and the new.

Looking back, I still feel a twinge of disappointment in myself for not making what I truly wanted to make from the start. If I had to do it again, I’d probably work harder to build new relationships in the sector of the industry I wanted to be in, rather than starting off in a genre that didn’t fulfill my creative needs. But I am proud that I eventually took the leap into creating product that I am passionate about. I’m also proud that my customers will know – from the moment they find me online, or see me at an event – exactly what type of product they will find at East to Opal. I hope that transparency eases the shopping experience for those who are browsing our product for the first time. And I hope it connects me with more like-minded folks who are just looking for a dash of dark drama by way of a new leather accessory.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Honestly there is just so much to do and our state is so huge and full of amazing things to see, but I think I’d try to keep it low key so it’s still enjoyable. In a single week, I think I’d keep it to the front range area, leaving my favorite spots in the Western Slope, Fort Collins, southwest Colorado and I70 for another trip.

I’d do two days in Denver, spend some time in RiNo, stop in Left Hand and Cart Driver, head over to Terrorium Shop and FashioNation, and end with a late-night entry at Meow Wolf. The next day, spend some time in the Denver Art Museum, maybe stop in the Brass Armadillo if we have time because I love a thrift find, then have dinner at Lostella and cocktails at Wildflower.

After that we’d take a day to drive up Ute Pass through Manitou Springs into Woodland Park, stopping at Adam’s Mountain Café before heading into Cripple Creek and Victor to shop at Phantom Canyon Coffee and Gifts. Hit the Donut Mill and Pikes Peak Overlook on the way back down the pass, then do dinner and drinks at Paravicini’s and Sopra that night.

The next two days we’d stay in Colorado Springs, first hitting up the French Kitchen, then hiking at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park and dinner at Cluckin’ Chicken inside Jaks’ Brewing Company. The next day, we’d slow down with tea at Wayfinders, shopping at Poor Richard’s and Novis Mortem, swing through the galleries in Manitou, and dinner at Jack Quinn’s.

A rest day would be mandatory at this point because I would be so exhausted after all of that. On our last day, I’d head back up to the Boulder area, breakfast burritos at Blackbelly, hit up Pearl Street, especially the Boulder Book Store, then do a farewell dinner and wine at Flagstaff House.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I have so many people in my life who have supported me in my endeavors as a maker and business owner. I am so lucky to have amazing parents, family, and friends who have helped me to better myself while I grow a business. Even so, the person who has not only encouraged me, but has also rolled his sleeves up to work alongside me everyday, is my husband, Nolan. Nolan is the first person I talk to when I have a new idea or design and no matter how unconventional that idea might seem, he is the first person to nod and say, “Let’s do it.” He has complete faith in me (though I don’t even have that in myself) and he is such a hype man. He is my photographer, my videographer, my consultant, my editor, my tech guy, and my advisor. I often tell my friends that “Everyone deserves a Nolan,” and I mean it. I don’t know what I’d do without him, and he makes every day better.

Website: www.easttoopal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/east.to.opal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easttoopal/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@east.to.opal

Image Credits
42 at Vesper – Nolan Campbell and Jennifer Thompson