Meet Jordan Claassen | Leather Artist

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

Hi Jordan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because I felt like I was given a gift that I needed to use. I have always loved art and growing up in the western industry, leatherwork was the perfect fit. There have been so many doors opened to me through leatherwork, before and after I started my business, that there is no doubt in my mind I am on the right path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Leatherwork has been a big part of my entire life. The story of my art actually begins in my childhood.
I started tooling leather in 4-H and made many different projects through my time in the program. My dad was my project leader for many years and he encouraged and inspired me to continue creating bigger and better things. I knew for my final project in 4-H I wanted to build a saddle. That dream was brought to reality with the help of Lisa and Loren Skyhorse. They took me under their wing for a summer and showed me a whole new side of leatherwork. Their style and creativity inspire me to this day.
Although I quickly learned that saddle making was not what I wanted to pursue professionally, my love for leather only grew. After graduating college, I took the leap and applied for my LLC and BK Leather Co. was born. I have learned so much in these four years of being a business owner. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that most people do not realize. Marketing, accounting, customer relations, shipping and packaging, and applying to trade shows are just a few examples. These aspects of the business have been the hardest for me. The art itself is easy, setting up at a trade show and talking to people for days on end, that has been hard. Even though there have been challenges and I have been forced out of my bubble in many ways, they have all shaped me into the person I am today and I would not change that for the world.
I am a small fish in a big pond when looking at the leather industry as a whole. It is important to me to build products that I enjoy creating and that other people can use for many years. It seems like every other season I am finding something new I love to create. I have been adding leather to shoes for about a year now and this has quickly become one of my favorite orders to receive. I also love creating sets for brides. Bouquet wraps, shoes, belts, cake toppers, and guest books make my heart so happy. Being asked to build a piece for someone’s big day means so much to me. Another aspect of my business that I really enjoy is going to trade shows. Although I love my custom orders and getting to bring others visions to life, having the creative freedom to build whatever I want to put in a booth for a show brings me so much joy. I feel like this has helped my art grow tremendously over the years.
As a leather artist, I want to inspire others to create. Leatherwork has changed so much over the years and I want to show people that there is more to the craft than one might think. I love being able to answer questions and give advice to people who are interested or just starting out in the leathercraft field. I have been a 4-H leader for the leathercraft project for a few years and being able to help kids who have the desire to learn a new skill has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I hope I am able to not only show them a new kind of art, but show them that they can pursue a future career in whatever makes them happy versus a job that only pays the bills.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live outside of Durango and although I do not ski and very rarely go hiking, during the warmer months of the year, I love to camp. If I had a friend in town for a week I would probably take them camping. There are so many great places to go but we love going to Navajo Lake. If I were to take a friend anywhere during the fall, we would drive the San Juan Skyway to see the trees changing colors. I am blessed to live in such a beautiful area and love getting time to spend it outside with my family and friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have helped me along this journey. I would not be where I am without God and all the gifts He has given me. I have received an endless amount of support from my husband, my parents and grandparents, my sister, and my amazing friends. I would also not be here without all of my customers. The true list of people who have loved, encouraged, and supported me would fill this entire page. I am so thankful for each and every one of them.

Website: https://bkleathercompany.com

Instagram: @bkleatherco

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