Handcrafted Leather Waist Bag in Espresso from Brazil, "Studded Espresso"

Daniel was born in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. "I began to working while still quite young. At 13 years of age, I became interested in leather work as I helped my father craft shoes. But at 18, I interrupted my work to enlist and serve in my country's army," he says.

"A year later, I moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of better opportunities. I enrolled in the Instituto Jesus, an institution that welcomed young apprentices, many of them orphans, and gave us opportunities. It was there that I met a colleague and married her. We chose not to have children.

"Here, too, I began learning leather arts, and my first step was cutting the leather. Eventually, I went to work in a shoe factory.

"I'm a religious man and am devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. I dedicate part of my free time to my father who is already a senior; I am his guardian.

"Around the age of 40, I was creating and producing my own designs — belts and bags. Nothing was easy for me, but the challenges strengthen me. As we say, 'what comes easily also leaves easily.'

"There came a point when I was discouraged. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to FRANCAL/leather fashions in São Paulo, an important fashion fair for shoes and accessories.

"It was of enormous importance. It opened my mind for new ideas and woke in me the need to perfect my work more and more. I invested and I focused in the quality of my leather work, in the creation of designs and, consequently, my gradual growth and my acceptance in the market. I rely on my wife's support and collaboration as she takes care of our administrative and financial aspects.

"I have no doubts that I am on the right road and I give thanks to God that I never gave up the occupation I embraced as a boy. It has accompanied me for my whole life."