About Sole Survivor

Location: 7358 Manchester Rd. | Maplewood, MO 63143 | 314-932-1475

Store Hours:  Tuesday - Friday 11-5 | Saturday 10-4


Sole Survivor is located in Maplewood, MO - just minutes from downtown St. Louis and close to Forest Park, museums, and the zoo.

For more than 50 years, Sole Survivor has carried on the tradition of the fine art of leatherwork in St. Louis, a city with a centuries old history of fur and leather. We are passionate about creating exceptional leather goods!

The Maplewood, MO store offers a selection of original and exclusive leather bags as well as belts, wallets, satchels, and more. All are made on site.

MEET THE LEATHER ARTISANS of SOLE SURVIVOR
Kay - Leather Artisan   
KAY RYE

    Kay, owner and manager of Sole Survivor,  has been working with leather since 1979. She enjoys creating one of a kind sculptural pieces out of leather, molding and shaping the hides into intriguing vessels and wall hangings.  


    Annie - Leather Artisan   
    ANNIE RYE

       Annie began working as a full time leather artisan alongside her father, Steve, in 2007. Learning to design and create on her own, she's taken many of Steve's original designs, updating and redefiningthem for today's tastes. Her appreciation of color and love for tie dye has expanded the shop's offerings beyond the usual earth tones. Annie enjoys creating new designs, and working with color. 

       Studio Tours

      Visitors can tour the workshop to see an impressive array of hand tools and machinery as well as a view of the artists at work. To take the tour, please call ahead to arrange a time so that we may be prepared for your visit. 314-932-1475

      HISTORY
      "Our adventures began in the late 60's into the 70's with the Midwest arts and craft show circuit. The journey continued in St. Louis where, in 1985, Sole Survivor settled and opened shop in the Central West End.  Over the years, changes to the retail scene inspired a series of moves that eventually led us to Maplewood, MO. Since January 2014 Sole Survivor has been happily settled in Maplewood.  We love it here! The community has  been so welcoming and supportive."

       Steve RyeSTEVE RYE - Founder 

      Steve, our founder once expressed, "When I started working with leather in the mid ‘60’s, I knew that this would become my life’s work.” And it did. His legacy endures today, as his family faithfully upholds the traditions and visions they cultivated through years of dedicated collaboration.

      Tuesday - Friday 11-5
      Saturday 10-4
      Sunday - CLOSED

      7358 Manchester Road Maplewood, MO
      314-932-1475