Keeping the Culture of the Great American West Alive
FireWater Custom Leather is a one-man shop out of Ennis, Texas which focuses on holding onto the culture of the great American West within each custom order. The western way of life is valiant and rooted in social norms, values, and traditions that create a lifestyle that is sought after by many. Developing one-of-a-kind leather goods for clients everywhere, I’m a 7th-generation Texan whose leatherwork strives to keep the western culture as vibrant as it is meant to be.
The Meaning of Firewater
The Origin of the term “firewater” evolved hundreds of years ago and was primarily used in trade between Native Americans and settlers. Pelts of hide, fur, dried meat, and fine jewelry were all used for bartering with the settlers, which in trade, the Native Americans would receive whiskey. Those traders then became keenly aware that by diluting the whiskey with water, they would receive more bang for their buck. Trading then led to confrontations. Native Americans, realizing the scheme going on during these barters, got wise. They would take the whiskey from the traders and then pour a swig on the fire. Bad whiskey would quench the fire, while good whiskey would cause the fire to erupt. It was this simple experiment that gave way to the term, “firewater”. Trading pelts of fur and leather for firewater impacted our country and the western way of life n those early years.
Growth and Opportunities
The past year has been full of growth and prosperity, and being able to invest more time into my custom leather business has shown great dividends. I am excited about the opportunities every day to increase business exponentially; and, not only locally, but on a national level as I pursue my goods becoming a staple in the western culture. The late nights and hard work have paid off in many ways, whether it was partnering with The National Polka Festival to make guitar straps for the headliners like Josh Abbot, or partnering with the Oklahoma Wildcatters PBR Team to supply each rider with a custom team belt.
Feelings, Scars, and Triumph
FireWater Custom Leather does its best to provide top grade custom leather for men, women and children around the nation. Inches at a time, every order is an honor in taking your inspiration to designing and cultivating it into fruition. I love working with leather that has lived a life just like we do–bearing feelings, scars, and triumph–but now it will continue to live through you.
Have a custom leather design in mind? @FIREWATERLEATHER
