A Maker’s Journey: From My Mother’s Studio to Yours
My story probably isn't what you'd expect.
By day, I've spent over a decade navigating the complex world of Financial Crime and AML Consulting—a field defined by structure, analysis, and a constant attention to detail. That part of my career brings stability, but it's only one side of who I am.
I practically grew up in my mother's studio. As an interior designer, she'd be at her sewing machine late into the night, and I was always nearby, watching her work. It wasn’t long before I went from observing to helping out myself. Some of my first memories are of sitting at her vintage hand-sewing machine, trying to make my own creations. I was so passionate that even after I managed to sew my hand to the fabric once, I just kept going—making pillows, book covers, and a few disastrous attempts at my own shirts.
Who knew those nights would one day pay off? My mom always encouraged creativity, even when it meant letting a determined kid learn through trial and error.
As I got older, that creative drive never faded—it just took on new forms. During my teenage years, I spent countless hours sketching surrealistic pencil portraits, always trying to capture the smallest details and emotions in a face. Later, I began painting with acrylics, exploring color and expression in a whole new way. Yet, no matter where my art took me, I kept coming back to hands-on, tactile craft—the kind I learned right there beside my mom.
This chapter with leather started almost by accident, not so long ago. After unexpectedly losing my job, I found myself uncertain about what would come next. Around that time, my watch strap broke—no crisis, just a minor inconvenience. Instead of searching for a new one, I thought, "Why not try making it myself, just the way I wanted?"
So, I did. I salvaged a strap from an old bag, taught myself some basics, and stitched something simple yet functional. The satisfaction in making something with my own hands struck a familiar chord. That small project sparked a bigger idea—could I try making a bag?
A few months down the line, The Protea & Maple Leather Company came to life. It's still a part-time pursuit—my consulting work pays the bills—but leathercraft is my passion. I almost skipped my first market event, second-guessing myself, but the encouragement I received confirmed that I was onto something meaningful.
Protea—representing my South African roots—symbolizes resilience and possibility. Maple—my Canadian home—stands for endurance and strength. This brand is the meeting point of both worlds. My work is "Designed to Flourish, Made to Last," shaped by the discipline and precision honed in consulting, but guided by the artist I've always been and the maker my mother helped nurture.
It's a personal journey, and I'm proud to share my craft with you.
— Richardt
Founder, The Protea & Maple Leather Company
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the go-to brand for timeless leather goods, creating pieces so durable—like the resilient King Protea and the strong Canadian Maple—that they are passed down, not thrown away.
We are building a reputation for uncompromised, authentic craft. Our goal is to help foster a world that values buying one perfect item that lasts a lifetime, rather than many that don't.
Our Mission
Our mission is to meticulously handcraft genuine leather goods that are built to be used, not just admired. We apply our core principles of Integrity, Precision, and Longevity to every piece, using traditional single-needle hand-stitching and making it our goal to use every millimeter of the hide.
Every bag, wallet, and belt is personally inspected to ensure it meets our standard and backed by a lifetime warranty to guarantee it serves you, and the next generation, with enduring quality.