FAQ & Services Offered

At Sole Survivor, our leather goods are proudly designed and made entirely in-house at our workshop in St. Louis, MO. Our team of self-taught artisans is led by owner Kay Rye and her daughter, Annie Rye. Together with our talented sewing assistant, Sam Overturf, we create each piece in the workshop located on the store's lower level.

Please note that while our leather goods are made in-house, our jackets and gloves are not produced on-site.

All Sole Survivor leather bags, wallets, belts, and accessories are thoughtfully designed in-house by our family team—Steve, Kay, and Annie Rye—through a mix of collaborative and individual creativity. Following Steve's passing in March 2023, Annie stepped into the role of lead designer, continuing his legacy with dedication and passion.

Sole Survivor has chosen not to take custom orders due to our current workload and production schedule. Our artisans' primary focus is creating high-quality pieces that are available through our standard collections. The exception to the policy is belts . Please see the next question.

Custom belt orders are available in person at our St. Louis store, where Kay can craft a belt tailored specifically for you! Do you have a cherished buckle hidden away? A "trophy" buckle from years past, an initial buckle inherited from Grandpa, or a silver three-piece set from a Southwestern adventure? Reach out to Kay directly by phone or email to discuss your ideas. Including photos of your buckle is helpful. Once we’ve reviewed your request, we’ll arrange a time to meet at the store.

📧 kay.rye@solesurvivorleather.com
📞 314-932-147

Yes! We can make an item to order in a different color. If the color you want is sold out, let us know what color you want, and we’ll work with you to create exactly what you’re looking for.

Personalization with initials is available exclusively for items purchased from Sole Survivor.

Our jackets and gloves are not produced on-site. They are made overseas by experienced manufacturers.

Yes! Starting January 2025, Kay began taking on *some* repair projects. Please visit this Blog Entry to learn details about available services.

Yes. We typically have a leather Scrap & Hide Sale in the spring. But stay tuned for something new in 2025 as we celebrate 40 years of business in St. Louis!

At Sole Survivor Leather, our design approach is rooted in a love for leather, a deep respect for craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. We believe in creating leather goods that stand the test of time.

• Quality and Craftsmanship: Every bag, belt, wallet and accessory is bench-made with meticulous attention to detail. From hand-stitching or machine stitching, to precise cutting, each step reflects our commitment to excellence.
• Function Meets Form: Our designs prioritize usability without compromising on style. We aim to design pieces that integrate into daily life, whether it’s a durable bag, a sleek wallet, or a versatile belt.
• Sustainable Practices: We value the integrity of our materials, sourcing high-quality, ethically produced leather and using processes that minimize waste. Each piece is created with sustainability in mind, ensuring durability and longevity.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Rather than following fleeting trends, we focus on classic designs that age gracefully. We embrace the natural character of leather, allowing each product to tell its unique story through wear and patina.
• Community and Collaboration: As a workshop team, we thrive on collaboration. Every design reflects the shared expertise of our artisans, blending unique perspectives into a cohesive vision. We also cherish the relationships we build with our customers, designing pieces that resonate with their personal journeys.

Our philosophy is simple: to craft leather goods that are enduring, embodying the spirit of resilience, individuality, and authenticity.

Retail Store Hours:

Tuesday -Friday 11-5
Saturday 10-4
Sun & Mon - closed

Sole Survivor is a one of a kind leather goods store located in Maplewood, MO, which is right at the western city limits of St. Louis, MO. 
Maplewood is less than 2 miles from Forest Park. Often called the jewel of St. Louis, you can visit Forest Park for FREE.  Including the best zoo in the country as well as a stellar ART MUSEUM and local History Museum. 

Step into our creative space to see an impressive collection of hand tools and machinery, and watch our skilled artisans bring leather goods to life. Stop by any Saturday for a behind-the-scenes look at our craft.

For groups of six or more, we kindly ask that you call or email ahead to schedule your visit.
📧kay.rye@solesurvivorleather.com
📞 314-932-147

We look forward to welcoming you!

Please note: Our workshop is located on a lower level, accessible only by stairs.