Hi, I’m Jesse, the person behind Guarded Goods!

I started this shop back in 2013 when I realized I needed a craft that allowed me to spend less time on the computer and more time doing something tangible with my hands. I bought a small set of tools from a local Tandy Leather store, a side of veg tan leather, and started teaching myself how to make simple goods (before there were any resources online of how to do it!). The early attempts weren’t great, but the process hooked me. I kept learning, kept improving, and kept finding satisfaction in making something that would last.

What began with hand-stitched wallets in a small apartment has slowly evolved into what Guarded Goods is today. Over the years I shifted the focus toward laces, boot kilties, belts, and other small goods that fit what I am passionate about and that can be reasonable made in the season of life that I am in. I don't have the luxury of spending 5-6 hours every night making many hand-stitched wallets like I used to. The business and scale has grown, but the foundation of why I started the business has not. Ultimately, I wanted to create and sell products that were made of high quality materials that would outlast what you can buy from anywhere else.

Guarded Goods is still a one-person operation. I run everything by myself in the very limited amounts of free time after a full day job and a busy home life with my wife and our three boys. Family comes first, so the time I spend on the shop has to count. That’s part of why I’m so selective about what I make and who I partner with. If I’m going to put time into a product, it needs to be something that holds up and feels worth owning.

Some items I still produce in limited batches. Others come from partners who share my values around quality, durability, and responsible craftsmanship. Whether I make it or source it, I stand behind every product that goes out the door, and I fulfill each order myself.

I’ve always appreciated goods that age well and stick with you. My hope is that the things you buy from me earn their place and become something you enjoy for a long time.

Thanks for being here and supporting a small maker. If you ever have a question or an idea, feel free to reach out. It’ll be me on the other end.

Jesse
Guarded Goods