How it Started

One day, I was sent home from work for not being "passionate" about my job. My boss gave me a blank piece of paper and told me to come back with my dream job description. I returned the next day and gave the paper back to him—blank. Without thinking it all the way through. I had just quit my safe job.

The Search

Meanwhile, my friend and I had been searching every store in NYC for a quality wallet with character. Everything we saw was either too bulky and uncomfortable to carry, or it was made with cheap materials and lacked personality. We thought, it shouldn't be so hard to find a high quality wallet. Rather than giving up, I turned to my sketchbooks.

Minimalist Wallets. Maximum Quality.

My guidelines were to create the simplest wallet for carrying the necessities while using the highest quality materials and construction. After learning about saddle stitching and full grain leather, I was able to nail down a design, buy my first hide of leather, and get to work.

I realized I was onto something big when Esquire featured the Strayer in their "Best Wallets of Spring 2013" article, but as I spoke with more and more people, I also learned not everybody can get away with carrying just 3 cards.

The Wallet Selection Process

After making thousands of wallets and doing market research for more than 6 years, I set out to create the ideal wallet for each individual's unique lifestyle and personality—with the highest quality build.

A Passion in Wallets

Am I passionate about wallets? That might be a stretch. But, I am passionate about making products I'm proud of. Try out the Wallet Selector, and take a look at the 40 color combinations. If I can help you out with your search for the perfect wallet, I'd be delighted.

I've been running my business online since 2011. If you have specific questions, email is typically the best way to get in touch with me. If you are local to the Norfolk / Hampton Roads area, come see me in person. Werther Leather Goods is in downtown Norfolk, VA between the Slover Library and The Main hotel, we're a short walk from the Waterside District and restaurants on Granby Street. The Selden Market features 12 artisanal shops. See the other exciting stores here: The Selden Market.

-Derek Shaw
derek@waskerd.com

If you need a quick hole in your belt or a rivet to reinforce a strap, I'm happy to help, but as I'm trying to stay focused on developing a sustainable business, I am no longer able to take on custom work or repairs.