Let a Timex on your wrist be a reminder to make time yours.
Let a Timex on your wrist be a reminder to make time yours.
Let a Timex on your wrist be a reminder to make time yours.
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Benjamin Bott
We took a trip up to Gloucester, Massachusetts to chat with Benjamin, the sole creator behind his eponymous bespoke leather goods brand, Benjamin Bott. He spoke to us about the importance of prioritizing quality in the old-world craft of leatherworking, how he stays true to his artisanal roots in today's world of mass production, and the joy he finds in collaborating with customers to craft personalized pieces they can cherish across generations.
“I love the idea of my wallets being passed down through generations, embodying pride and nostalgia in the chosen colors.”
-Benjamin Bott, Owner
Q&A with Benjamin
Q: What's one change you believe other brands in your field can make to encourage a more mindful approach to life and foster deeper connections with their customers?
A: Being a one-man operation of a micro brand means I handle everything, from sales to creation, marketing, and shipping. Every little aspect is a part of what I do, so customers appreciate knowing that everything they see comes from me and my creative expression. Allowing my inner creative passion to shine through in everything I do creates a more meaningful connection for them to the product they’re buying. People aren’t just buying a wallet; they're buying something I've thought about and put in all the time and effort to create. They're not purchasing my wallets because of the logo or the name behind it; they're buying them because they know someone has dedicated their life to crafting something they're passionate about.
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V Smiley Preserves
We journeyed to the quaint town of New Haven, Vermont, eager to get a firsthand taste of the handcrafted, honey-sweetened jams, marmalades, and conserves made at V Smiley Preserves and Lil To Do Farm. V herself welcomed us into her world of preserving and slow cooking, and shared her philosophy that a shared meal isn't just food, it's a magical moment where time slows, laughter fills the air, and memories are made around the table.
“A beautiful, simple, delicious meal has the power to slow time, stretching it into this special, glowing moment at a table.”
-V Smiley, Owner
Q&A with V Smiley
Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind or further embrace the analog side of life after a long day on the farm or in the kitchen?
A: If I have even a couple hours, I love to cook at home. I’ll buy a special roast or a collection of colorful vegetables. I set a up stool in the kitchen so I can get my feet up while I carefully brown each side of the pot roast. To unwind and also energize, I’ll visit our local bookstore, Vermont Bookshop, and browse the cookbooks. If I’m really short on downtime in a week, I’ll visit our local co-op and buy a loaf of this amazing gluten-free Buckwheat Sourdough and go home and make jammy toast with Seville Marmalade and sea salt.
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RJ Julia Booksellers
We sat down with Roxanne Coady, the founder of independent bookstore RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, Connecticut, over a cup of hot tea from the store’s café, to talk about the love of tangible books in a digital age...and we ended up with a story about community gathering spaces and the importance of loving what you do.
“Time spent with a book, and amongst fellow book lovers, or perhaps meeting a favorite author at one of our events, is time well spent.”
-Roxanne Coady, Founder
Q&A with Roxanne
Q: How does your brand encourage customers to hit the pause button, step away from the hustle, and appreciate the analog side of life?
A: Coming into a building filled with books encourages customers to get immersed in the stories around them, creating a sense of discovery and serendipity. Customers love browsing the cozy nooks of the store, pausing to read our handwritten shelf talkers, while enjoying a cup of coffee from our café.