FAQ & Services Offered

At Sole Survivor, our leather goods are proudly designed and made entirely in-house at our workshop in St. Louis, MO. Our team of self-taught artisans is led by owner Kay Rye and her daughter, Annie Rye. Together with our talented sewing assistant, Sam Overturf, we create each piece in the workshop located on the store's lower level.

Please note that while our leather goods are made in-house, our jackets and gloves are not produced on-site.

All Sole Survivor leather bags, wallets, belts, and accessories are thoughtfully designed in-house by our family team—Steve, Kay, and Annie Rye—through a mix of collaborative and individual creativity. Following Steve's passing in March 2023, Annie stepped into the role of lead designer, continuing his legacy with dedication and passion.

At this time, Sole Survivor isn’t accepting custom orders due to our current workload and production schedule. Our artisans are focused on crafting high-quality pieces available through our standard collections. The one exception? Belts! For more details, please see the next question.

Custom belt orders are available in person at our St. Louis store, where Kay can craft a belt tailored specifically for you! Do you have a cherished buckle hidden away? A "trophy" buckle from years past, an initial buckle inherited from Grandpa, or a silver three-piece set from a Southwestern adventure? Reach out to Kay directly by phone or email to discuss your ideas. If contacting by email, including photos of your buckle is helpful. Once we’ve reviewed your request, we’ll arrange a time to meet at the store.

📧 kay.rye@solesurvivorleather.com
📞 314-932-147

Yes! We can make an item to order in a different color. If the color you want is sold out, let us know what color you want, and we’ll work with you to create exactly what you’re looking for.

Personalization with initials is available exclusively for items purchased from Sole Survivor.

Our jackets and gloves are not produced on-site. They are made overseas by experienced manufacturers.

Yes! Starting January 2025, Kay began taking on *some* repair projects. Please visit this Blog Entry to learn details about available services.

Yes. We currently have a selection of scraps sorted and bagged up for sale. Bags of scrap are priced at $5 or $10 each.

At Sole Survivor Leather, our design approach is rooted in a love for leather, a deep respect for craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. We believe in creating leather goods that stand the test of time.

• Quality and Craftsmanship: Every bag, belt, wallet and accessory is bench-made with meticulous attention to detail. From hand-stitching or machine stitching, to precise cutting, each step reflects our commitment to excellence.
• Function Meets Form: Our designs prioritize usability without compromising on style. We aim to design pieces that integrate into daily life, whether it’s a durable bag, a sleek wallet, or a versatile belt.
• Sustainable Practices: We value the integrity of our materials, sourcing high-quality, ethically produced leather and using processes that minimize waste. Each piece is created with sustainability in mind, ensuring durability and longevity.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Rather than following fleeting trends, we focus on classic designs that age gracefully. We embrace the natural character of leather, allowing each product to tell its unique story through wear and patina.
• Community and Collaboration: As a workshop team, we thrive on collaboration. Every design reflects the shared expertise of our artisans, blending unique perspectives into a cohesive vision. We also cherish the relationships we build with our customers, designing pieces that resonate with their personal journeys.

Our philosophy is simple: to craft leather goods that are enduring, embodying the spirit of resilience, individuality, and authenticity.