Meet Lisa Norman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Norman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My co-founder, Ian, and I have worked hard to stay true to our original vision for our company of making a product we are proud of and have created a product that our clientele is also proud of. Not necessarily because we made it, but because we help them represent the things they are proud of in a high quality, lasting, and impressionable way.

I believe our company also found success because we really allow our clients to make decisions and create the product they want. We opened up possibilities and are there to help bring their ideas to life essentially. We got rid of typical parameters for custom made products like mock-up fees and order minimums. We have always tried to keep an open mind and have been open to experimentation if clients had unique inquiries. Some work out, others don’t. It has kept our journey fun while we also worked hard on having consistent systems in place, too.

I also believe our product is special because of the necessity of human elements to create it – we hand stitch each patch on with industrial sewing machines yet we rely on modern technology of a laser etcher to create the custom leather patch. I think the combination of traditional craft with modern tech is beautiful. I think trade skills, such as sewing, should be maintained. By hand stitching our patches, it has given us the ability to truly make custom, one of a kind, work by allowing clients to choose virtually any shape or die cut imaginable. It allows clients to be as creative as they want with design and placement.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are Authentic Leather Patch Co. and we create high quality, custom leather patches and hand stitch them onto products, primarily hats. Ian and I started our business officially in 2017 after a couple years of trial and error and we gradually grew to the 20+ team we have today. No one tells you how to run a small business so every step of the way has been a tremendous learning experience.
One thing that sets us apart is our ability to take our operations anywhere now. While we have our production in Buellton, CA, we participate in trade shows, pop-ups and can be hired to make custom leather patch hats or products on demand anywhere. We travel with our portable laser etcher, sewing machine, and team and clients can stroll up, send us their logo, and walk away with a custom leather patch product before an event is over. We love to share the process and people love to experience it. I think it drives creativity and is exciting to see people realize what they can create (with some assistance from our talented team).
The mobile operation takes a lot of skill, energy, and finesse as a team but it’s one of my most favorite things to do. We have had some bumps along the way – like setting up at an outdoor show and having an unexpected thunderstorm roll through and soak our laser etcher – but have managed to work through the tough times.
I’m proud of our team and the stellar service we provide in and out of the shop.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our production warehouse is located in Buellton, CA, which is in the Santa Ynez Valley. I’d definitely suggest starting the day at Ellen’s for some Danish pancakes or perhaps fresh baked goods at the Bakers Table in Santa Ynez. For a stroll and a bite, I’d stop by the Solvang Restaurant’s little window to grab some aebleskivers and a Danish sausage, or medisterpolse. You’d also need a pit stop in one of the delicious local bakeries! I also love to visit local coffee shops like Good Seed in Solvang or Queen’s Cup in Santa Ynez.
For activities, one of my favorite stops is at Ostrichland in Buellton. You can view ostriches and emus and feed those “bad boys!” Another exciting activity is ziplining at Highland Adventures or wake up early and hike up Grass Mountain. A Jalama Beach day with infamous Jalama Burger would be a necessity on the itinerary, as well.
We are also well known for our beautiful (and delicious!) wineries. A few of my favorites are Foxen, Saarloos & Sons (try the cupcake pairing, too!), Waylon Wines, and Crawford Family Wines. A favorite place to sip on delicious beer is The Backroom in Solvang or to grab a cocktail at Coast Range.
I love to eat – so if you feel similarly, you won’t want to skip Industrial Eats in Buellton, the patty melt at Mother Hubbards in Buellton, or the hot chicken sandwich from Peasants Feast in Solvang. The Gathering Table will also be the place to try when visiting Solvang.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people come to mind! I wouldn’t be where I am today without my business partner, Ian. He was my first creative friend after a move to a new town and our big (often bad) ideas blossomed into something amazing. We have been through a lot together and I feel extremely fortunate to have him as a business partner. We are different in many ways but I truly believe that is what makes our partnership work so well. Thanks to him I am on this entrepreneurial journey and have met so many inspirational and incredible entrepreneurs who have impacted my life over the years.

Website: https://leatherpatchcompany.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leatherpatchco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leatherpatchcompany

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leatherpatchco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leatherpatchco

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@leatherpatchco