Second nature
Summerside retiree picks up a passion creating timeless leather bags
SUMMERSIDE – When Janie-Nicole Henderson retired from teaching in Ontario, she knew sitting in slippers around the house wasn’t an option.
Instead, she moved to downtown Summerside with her husband Dennis (Duermeier) five years ago, thanks to a sailing adventure that had them charting local waters. After completing extensive renovations to their shorefront building that once housed Greenshore Marine, it was time to pick up an old passion.
“I always liked sewing. I used to make bags out of upholstery material, but then Dennis (asked) why don’t I make a bag out of leather, I gave it a go and loved the outcome. We visited craft fairs around Ontario, and the bags sold quickly,” said Henderson.
“When we moved to P.E.I., I met a nice gentleman (Harold Brister) who has since passed. He did all sorts of leatherwork and introduced me to a leathercraft group in Kensington. I learned a lot from this group,” said JanieNicole Leather, located at 360 Water Street.
The small artisan company is where Henderson has quietly created original leather bags, belts, bracelets, bookmarks, coasters, and purses since July 2019.
“Initially, I was working in my living room, and when this space became available, it needed cleaning, paint, shelving, but now I have the margin to work productively. Dennis set my leather up on the shelves in rolls to help protect the material from cracks and scrapes, as well as keep everything organized.”
Henderson uses Kodiak leather, which is sturdy and durable.
“It’s also thoroughly waterresistant.
“My leather bags should last a lifetime, and so far, I have excellent luck with people that have bought bags ten years ago, and over time the pieces become weathered in the right way.”
Throughout the production process, scraps are upcycled and given new life as bookmarks, coasters, and small purses.
“In December, I did $11,000 worth of sales online, and it was crazy busy. My most popular bag was the messenger bag.
“I even sent one to a man that works at Google in California, U.S. I do ship all over the world, but mostly to the United States and Canada,” she said.
The natural leather products will be available at the Summerside Farmers’ Market starting Saturday.
For store visits, appointments are required by either email or phone.
To learn more, visit janienicole.com. For a store appointment, email janie@ janienicole.com or call 902439-7818.