It’s no secret, their smiles say it all. When you do something with pride, your whole being smiles.
When I first met Mana, head leathersmith, I sat and watched him in his small studio as he worked on a satchel. He was in deep thought and had a calm-curious vibe as he studied the bag, where the seams would align and edges would perfectly fit together. I watched as he slowly and carefully made each stitch and followed by tracing his hand over the stitching to make sure it was the right length and thread count. Each step was done with such deep focus and attention to detail. There was no rush in the process. Quite the opposite, he was in such a state of flow. It was honestly therapeutic to watch. I remember complimenting him on his work with such excitement and enthusiasm, and his slight bow of the head and smile said it all.
The pride he carries in his work is infectious. I could feel it, and my hope is that you, too, can feel a sense of pride when you carry Sapahn because of the deep care that goes into our craft.
Over the years, I can say that the whole artisan team in Thailand shares this same sense of pride. It’s no surprise with such an incredible teacher like Mana. What I find remarkable is that each member of the team is trained in all aspects of craftsmanship, from making the handbag pattern, to properly setting and tracing the pattern on the hide, to thinning and sealing the edges, to adhering the lining, to hammering the holes and assembling the bag, the zippers, and all the hardware. It’s a lengthy, skilled process, and we have some of the best masters who’ve perfected their craft for 20+ years.
You know something is so infectious when over the 13+ years we’ve worked together, it has drawn me in more than a few times when I considered setting up a shop to join them in making our bags. I let that dream take shape in my head but quickly knew that it was crazy talk because, for me, my deep sense of purpose is creating the bridge that connects our people worldwide in such a beautiful way. Through my work in human rights and efforts to create opportunities, I’ve seen the incredible talent of our artisans. It’s a pity for the world not to know and marvel at their craft. To show what is possible when we honor people and their work—this is my craft I take pride in.
Have you ever considered what you take pride in—those moments and achievements that light up your life and fill you with a warm sense of accomplishment? It could be a project you poured your heart into, a skill you've mastered, or a simple act of kindness that made a difference. These experiences shape us, bringing a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
As I write this it’s made me realize that pride is about embracing the journey, overcoming challenges, and knowing that every small step we take contributes to a greater tapestry of purpose and meaning. It is about celebrating our unique skills and talents, and the positive impact we have on the world around us. By taking pride in our work, we can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and create a life that is rich with beauty, purpose, connection, and communities. I've realized what a gift and privilege it is to do work you genuinely take pride in. So next time you admire your Sapahn piece, take a moment to appreciate the journey it represents—for you personally and for the artisans you empower.
