Thanksgiving always seems to slow our hearts down just enough to notice the blessings that have been piling up all year long. This year, more than any other, Todd and I have found ourselves looking back at where this crazy leather journey began — and feeling so, so grateful.
It still amazes us that Lazy 3 Leather Co. started as a little hobby in our basement back in Colorado. For years, leatherwork was something we squeezed in between jobs, dinner, and the bedtime routine. When we moved to Ivins eight years ago, I felt strongly that we needed to be here, even though the timing didn’t make much sense. We didn’t know what was ahead — we just knew we were supposed to go.
In 2019, I felt inspired to let go of my small Etsy business and work side-by-side with Todd on leather. We did every Saturday market we could find, every local show, every opportunity. Then in early 2021, we hit a crossroads: either Todd needed to leave his full-time job, or we needed to walk away from leather. After a lot of prayer, we took the leap.
Todd’s last day of work happened the day before our 23rd wedding anniversary — and our very first day at the St. George Downtown Farmers Market. It was exciting, humbling, and honestly a little surreal. Up to that point, our little business had only ever paid for date nights. But from that moment forward, it became our full-time livelihood. A blessing and a miracle.
It was one of the scariest decisions we’ve ever made, but we knew it was the right move. And as we’ve shared our story with others who were considering making the same leap, we’ve found ourselves both confident and humbled all at once. Looking back over the past five years, it’s clear we’ve been guided every step of the way — supported by family, friends, and customers who believed in us before we even fully believed in ourselves.
Last week we gathered with my family for an early Thanksgiving, and even though only six of my sixteen siblings were able to make it, it still felt amazing. We laughed, told stories, caught up on life, and soaked in the familiar chaos that happens whenever any number of us are in the same place. There’s something about being together — no matter how many of us there are — that fills my heart in a way nothing else does.
This week, we’ll be spending Thanksgiving Day with Todd’s family — eating too much good food, listening to childhood stories (somehow there’s always a new one), and of course enjoying our favorite Veyo Pies. It’s a simple tradition, but one we look forward to every year.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for being part of this journey, for supporting our small family business, for letting us craft pieces that become part of your everyday life. We hope this Thanksgiving brings peace, love, laughter, and the people who make life feel full.
With gratitude,
Lucy, Todd & the Lazy 3 Leather Co. Family
P.S. If you received our Thanksgiving email, don’t forget to grab your free digital download here.
Bullet Case Pattern - Free download