Rising Stars: Meet Zehra Gunalp of STILWELL, KS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zehra Gunalp

Hi Zehra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Nine Leather & Watch, a rising star in the handcrafted leather goods industry, began with an unlikely spark. I never imagined myself designing anything. My background was in the hospitality industry, where I was always surrounded by people and focused on creating experiences. But in my 30s, I felt this urge to create something tangible, something that would last. That urge led me to explore leatherworking, a craft I quickly fell in love with.

What started as a passion project in 2017 transformed into a thriving business. I opened my first workshop in 2020, driven by a love for functional and minimalist design. I poured my newfound passion into crafting wallets, cardholders, and other leather accessories, each reflecting my commitment to simplicity and quality.

One of Nine Leather & Watch’s unique selling propositions is its use of incredibly thin leather—sometimes as thin as 0.6mm—in many of its core products. This results in exceptionally soft, lightweight, and durable pieces that are a joy to carry. We also stand behind our craftsmanship with a lifetime warranty, a testament to our confidence in the quality of our goods.

Now partnering with my business and life partner, Abraham, Nine Leather & Watch has expanded into retail stores and wholesale partnerships, bringing our unique creations to a wider audience. We also provide manufacturing services for high-end brands, further solidifying our reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

But Abraham and I aren’t stopping there. We are currently designing a new line of leather products and developing our own micro brand of watches under the NINE label. “We’re excited to bring our passion for design and quality to the world of watches,” Abraham says. “We hope to be showcasing our first timepiece by the end of next year.”

With its commitment to innovation, quality, and timeless design, Nine Leather & Watch is poised for continued growth and success. From a hospitality professional with no design experience to a rising force in the leather goods industry, my story is a testament to the power of passion and the pursuit of craftsmanship.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of Nine Leather & Watch hasn’t been without its hurdles. Like many small businesses, we were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to pivot to an online-only model, I sought a partnership to help navigate the challenges. Unfortunately, my first attempt was a misstep, a partnership that ultimately proved unsuccessful. But as the saying goes, sometimes you have to experience the wrong one to recognize the right one. I was fortunate to find Abraham, who not only became my business partner but also my life partner. With his keen business acumen and unwavering support, he helped unlock the true potential of Nine Leather & Watch. We experienced rapid growth, and I realized just how crucial the right partnership could be. Another challenge has been branding – crafting high-quality products is one thing, but showcasing them effectively is another. Thankfully, Abraham brought his 21 years of experience as a branding guru to the table, transforming our image and amplifying our message.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My obsessive attention to detail and organization have been invaluable assets in my journey as a leatherworker. These traits, honed over years in the hospitality industry, allow me to meticulously focus on every aspect of design, ensuring each product is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Creating timeless, simple, and neat designs that seamlessly integrate practicality requires a keen eye and a dedication to precision, qualities I strive to embody in every piece.

Beyond the design process, my easygoing nature and strong communication skills have been instrumental in building relationships with our customers. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, understanding their needs, and providing solutions. Whether in person or online, I prioritize honest and open communication, listening attentively to feedback and suggestions. Our customers’ insights often spark new ideas and inspire future designs, creating a collaborative process that drives innovation at Nine Leather & Watch. I believe that this customer-centric approach, combined with our dedication to quality and craftsmanship, sets us apart in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nineleather.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nineleatherco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nineleatherco