Meet Mason Lehman | Construction Worker & Leather Crafter

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

Hi Mason, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In September 2021, my life took a profound turn when I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone and muscle cancer. The months that followed were filled with chemotherapy, radiation, and countless hospital visits, which forced me to step away from my career. During this challenging time, my wife Sydney, along with my family and friends, provided unwavering support, helping me push through to a place of recovery after ten months of intense treatment.

While recovering, I found solace and focus in a surprising place—leatherworking. What began as a therapeutic outlet soon turned into something much more. I realized that crafting leather goods gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that had been missing during my battle with cancer.

As I worked on my skills and began sharing my work, I received overwhelmingly positive feedback at local craft fairs in Colorado Springs. The excitement and interest from people who appreciated each piece inspired me to consider turning my passion into a business. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that building Broken Beak Leather wasn’t just about creating beautiful products—it was about turning my journey into something meaningful that could resonate with others.

Starting my own business allowed me to combine my love for craftsmanship with the need for independence and purpose. It gave me a chance to build something from the ground up, while also embracing the resilience and creativity that saw me through the toughest chapter of my life. Today, Broken Beak Leather is more than just a business; it’s a testament to overcoming adversity, embracing new beginnings, and finding strength through creativity. Every handcrafted piece is a reflection of that journey, and I’m proud to share it with you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m currently at the exciting beginning of my leather career, and I see this moment as a blank canvas, full of possibilities. Being in the early stages gives me the unique opportunity to shape my brand and business exactly how I envision it. I’m not restricted by past decisions or established patterns; instead, I can craft something that truly reflects my vision, values, and passions.

Although I’m just starting, I’m excited about the chance to grow and develop as both a creator and an entrepreneur. Building a brand from scratch is both exciting and challenging. I’m sure it won’t always be easy, and there will be moments of doubt, along with plenty of lessons learned. But each challenge can teach me something important—like the value of patience, persistence, and sticking to my vision even when things get tough. I’m learning daily, whether it’s about improving my skills, managing my business, or connecting with customers.

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?
I know it might seem surprising given Colorado’s strong outdoor reputation, but I’m not much of an outdoors person myself. Luckily, Colorado Springs offers so much more, especially when it comes to sports and live events. A great way to kick off the trip would be by checking out the new Ford Amphitheater, which has quickly become a hotspot for top-tier artists adding Colorado Springs to their tours. With the city’s growing population, it’s a fantastic time to catch a concert or live performance. Another highlight would be introducing my friend to the world of comedy at The Broadmoor World Arena or the Pikes Peak Center, both of which host some of the best comedians touring today. Whether it’s a concert or a comedy show, Colorado Springs has a vibrant entertainment scene that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the best live events.

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?
Of course, I would like to shout out my wife Sydney, and my entire family, but I would also like to thank a gentleman by the name of Gordon Hamilton and the BACA Foundation.

Gordon is in his own battle with cancer and he and I were connected through my in-laws. He (along with his wife Sophie) provided me with encouragement and wisdom for getting through this tough time.

BACA is a Colorado-based non-profit that provides financial support to those affected by cancer in the Colorado softball community. With their help, I was able to get a jump start back into my normal life after cancer.

Website: https://brokenbeakleather.com

Instagram: @brokenbeakleather

Other: https://brokenbeakleather.etsy.com