From the horsey set to the fashion hounds
WHO: Joe Celada, 31, and Sebrina Lavalle, 35 WHAT: Leather Parlour WHERE: The Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N. EMPLOYEES: Two “I started in saddle and tack,” says Joe Caleda. “Stitching for saddles and horse bridles and stuff like that. Slowly I got more and more requests to do proper belts, wallets, handbags and purses.
“I just kind of swayed from the equestrian world to the more general world.”
That’s where the business was born, adds his wife and business partner, Sebrina Lavalle.
“The Leather Parlour, with the wallets and purses, because we were getting so many custom requests … just kind of became its own business, so that’s where we took it,” she says.
They focus on belts, dog collars, men’s wallets and briefcases, and purses made from heavier leathers like those used in equestrian bridles.
Companies in the United States contact them looking for unique pieces. Most products are sold online (lots of custom orders come this way, too) but they also sell their work at local crafter and maker shows around the GTA.
Brightly coloured women’s bags are a specialty. The couple works with local, smaller tanneries so they can get bold, vibrant colours.
For consistency in quality of materials, they get leather from smaller, family-operated suppliers in the States. “Unfortunately, there are not a lot of tanneries up here,” says Celada.