How one Edmonton man seized opportunity during an economic downturn.
A small team of people – along with the company of a shop dog named Storm, are taking raw vegetable- tanned leather and turning it into high quality, hand-crafted items. Clo’s General Leather Co. has been around since 2014. That’s when the oil and gas industry started to slow down, giving the owner, Kyle Closen, the kickstart and opportunity to pursue his dream, “I’ve always been passionate about working with my hands and creating something from nothing.” That passion is inherent, it would seem. Closen’s grandparents owned an upholstery business in Saskatchewan, which could be said was where Closen got his talent for creation and his mind for business, “before heading to the farm after school I would head to the shop to earn my allowance by sweeping floors and helping the family,” he explained. Now Closen works with his fiancé, Dayna and designer Jess.
The quality of the items coming out of the shop in Old Strathcona is obvious when you see the pictures and videos of the handcrafted products on the shop’s website and Instagram account. “We love working with natural cowhide leather as it takes on character and ages differently depending on the customer’s use,” said Closen. Clo’s General Leather Co. is excited to show our readers their Travel Kit, which includes the Weekend Warrior Duffle Bag, the Urban Adventure Backpack, and the Family Passport Cover. The bags are lined with 18 ounce water resistant canvas, YKK zippers, and solid brass hardware. The passport cover is perfect to keep all your passports and travel documents safe and secure.
That’s when the oil and gas industry started to slow down, giving the owner, Kyle Closen, the kickstart and opportunity to pursue his dream, “I’ve always been passionate about working with my hands and creating something from nothing.”
The Clo’s General Co. team makes wallets, belts, gloves, and other accessories and items. Storm, the shop dog is there to add a little extra fluff and cuteness for the team and their customers to love.
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