While I wholeheartedly believe making accessories was woven into my DNA, working specifically with leather just kind of found me. I immediately fell in love with the textures, markings, raw edges, and organic shapes. The way you could just make something without having to line it or without fraying edges. You could make it what it was calling to be, effortlessly. I find beauty in all things that are less than perfect. Multi-layered with depth, soul…scars.

The past 30+ years have led me on a colorful journey in art & design: From intense study of b&w photography in Orlando to earning an AAS degree in Display & Exhibit Design at the Fashion Institute in NYC & then a BFA in Graphic Design from Georgia Southern. These experiences, the cities I have lived in, and the people I have met along the way have led me to here. All preparing for this very moment.

My business continues to ebb and flow with the times and I have been beautifully shaped by the textured journey. A recent addition to my story was to wrap up two years of wine studies…as of April 2025, I'm a Certified Sommelier.

My biggest goal has been for you all to experience 1974 in person… a brick-and-mortar, a tactile experience based on community, art, leather and wine. That hope is coming to fruition now.

At the end of the day, what I love the most, is how these pieces of functional art, go from my hands to yours becoming an extension of you and your own unique journey only acquiring more beauty and character over time. There is magic there and I’m grateful you’re taking Sondera 1974 along for the ride.

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Thanks for being here. If you’ve made it here and it resonates—you’re likely meant to be part of this. For now, this is about an origin story and building something bigger with those who have closely resonated with my work. I'm grateful you're here and for your consideration.