In the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, a remarkable partnership has blossomed, not just in love but in business as well. Sandra Ernsberger and Carson Leh, both artists in their own right, have combined their talents to establish Obsidian Leather Goods, a company that pays homage to their creative legacies.
The journey began in 2013 when Carson Leh, residing in Venice Beach, meticulously crafted custom leather items like bicycle seats, bags, and bar tape from his living room. Working alongside renowned architect David Hertz, Leh’s life took a significant turn when he connected with Ernsberger through a dating app.
Their meet-cute is steeped in familial artistry; both come from backgrounds rich in craftsmanship. Leh’s grandparents made their mark at the Eames office, contributing to the creation of iconic designs, while Ernsberger boasts a decade of experience in luxury furniture manufacturing. The merging of their professional lives felt less like a choice and more like a destiny.
“We wouldn’t be here without families encouraging us to go into creative endeavors if that’s what we wanted to do,” Leh remarked, reflecting on their supportive backgrounds.
Relocating to Austin a few years later, the couple took a leap of faith, allowing their dreams to materialize through Obsidian Leather Goods. The company specializes in custom architectural leather installations, producing items such as leather-wrapped doors, stair railings, built-in desk pads, and even leather stair treads. They also delve into custom furniture, creating fully leather-wrapped case goods, bespoke sofas, and vintage restorations.
Obsidian Leather Goods doesn’t stop at craftsmanship; the brand offers comprehensive furniture design services. This includes everything from initial sketches to 3D models, technical drawings, manufacturing, and final installation. They collaborate with diverse clients, including builders, architects, designers, and homeowners, helping to bring imaginative design concepts to fruition.
In addition to their custom work, Obsidian has established itself as a key player in the industry, having undertaken white label production for a major luxury furniture brand for several years. Their latest ventures also include a freshly launched hardware collaboration with Studio Marchant, featuring exquisite kidskin and shagreen-wrapped hardware elements.
Looking ahead, Ernsberger and Leh are particularly excited about the upcoming launch of their bespoke furniture line, set for Fall 2025. “The launch really is an extrapolation of what we’ve done in the past and our expertise,” explained Ernsberger. “We’ve worked hard to do things with leather that other creatives haven’t done or experimented with. We want to showcase that, and all the possibilities, with this collection.”
The new line will encompass various pieces, from nightstands to cocktail tables and benches, available initially via their website before expanding further.
Whether dangling from harnesses to achieve the ideal angle for precise leather stitching or ingeniously utilizing the last bits of a hide to maximally enhance value, creativity pulses in every endeavor that Ernsberger and Leh undertake. The journey of Obsidian Leather Goods is just beginning, and it’s clear that their love for art and design will continue to flourish in the years to come.
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