Jake Beechler’s leatherworking career started when the nylon sheath for his Leatherman tool wore out.
He decided to make a new one himself, one that would last.
“Instead of buying another one for eight bucks, I bought $100 worth of leather tools and started playing around,” Beechler said. “I got hooked.”
Now, he spends his downtime working on leather, making all kinds of usable crafts. While tending his new business, he can stitch a thin leather card wallet behind the counter.
After practicing his hobby for about 10 years, Beechler decided to make it a business.
“I never really sold anything until I opened this place,” Beechler said.
Terrier Leather & Goods, which opened at the end of May at 812 Main St. in Ouray, features an assortment of handmade purses, keychains, journal covers, holsters, dog collars and other gifts made of various leather tones and patterns.
The name of the shop references his terrier, Otis.
“I just appreciate the characteristics of terriers that chew through a wall to get what they want,” he said. “Never, never quit sort of mentality. Never settle.”
Beechler thought that attitude translated well to this business. And no, Otis doesn’t hang out in the shop.
“Because he’s a terrier,” Beechler said, chuckling.
But a sketch of Otis, sporting a baseball cap, appears on signs around the shelves.
The ampersand in Terrier Leather & Goods is an homage to his partner Bree Rosenblum’s book, “And: The Tiny Word That Can Radically Transform Your Life,” displayed in the shop window. Rosenblum sells some of her pottery and jewelry in the store as well.
Beechler’s favorite thing to work on is custom orders, like repairing a bicycle seat from 1885 or a worn-out strap of sleigh bells.
He also teaches leatherworking classes in the shop so students can walk out with their own belt or wallet.
For those looking for custom Christmas presents, Beechler recommends getting those orders in early, by mid-November at the latest.
He anticipates staying open all year, but may slow down to a few days a week in the winter. If he’s there, the shop is probably open.
“This is my workshop too,” Beechler said. “If I’m working in the shop, I might as well be open.”
Beechler has lived in Ouray back-and-forth for a couple of years but also lives seasonally in Taos, New Mexico. He said he has received a warm reception from the community and fellow shop owners, although business was slow this summer, because of the Gold Mountain Fire. This was his first summer, though, so he doesn’t have anything to compare it to.
“Other shop owners have sent business my way if I sell something they don’t, or vice versa,” Beechler said. “I didn’t know any of these people before I opened. They’ve been extremely welcoming, generous, kind and helpful. I think that’s wonderful.”
Terrier Leather & Goods’ fall store hours are noon-6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Anyone who would like to place an order can email jake@terrierleather.com.
