Behind The Brand: Weather & Story

Behind the Brand is an UpNext series introducing you to small business owners who inspire. Take a look behind the curtain of brands we love and see what it means to make your passion a reality.

Meet Lainey, founder of Weather & Story.

Weather & Story was born out of Lainey's curiosity for the natural world, appreciation for hard work, and love of good stories. After apprenticing under a local leather worker and learning the time-honored traditions and methods of working with leather, Lainey found a real connection to the creative space of design and craft.

Weather & Story got its start in her tiny bedroom on the east side of Austin, Texas. Now, a few years later, each product is still designed and crafted by her two hands in her Austin, Texas backyard studio.

W&S goods are designed to add beauty and functionality to everyday life. These timeless pieces are thoughtfully crafted with quality materials and age old methods to withstand years of use. They will be loyal companions through many years, seasons, and stories.

We caught up with Lainey to ask her a few questions about what she loves (and doesn’t love) about building a brand from the ground up. Thanks for letting us see a glimpse inside your life as an entrepreneur, Lainey.

When did you start your business?

I launched Weather & Story in the fall of 2016.

What inspired you to start Weather & Story?

I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and when I found myself with some extra time and a desire to change career paths, I decided to learn the craft. I honestly just sort of happened into leather work after a few different chance encounters with folks doing similar work. 

I began an apprenticeship with a leather worker in Austin and quickly developed a strong interest in the design and craft of working with leather. I was inspired by learning the time honored methods of leather craft that have been used for centuries and loved the idea of being able to create beautiful, functional goods that would one day become treasured heirlooms. 

What does a typical day at Weather & Story look like?

Most days start with coffee and computer/admin work followed by several hours in my workshop (happy place) designing or producing goods. Every now and then I have a customer drop by to browse products or pick up an order -- I always love getting the person to person interactions! My shop door is usually open, there’s always a new album or audiobook on, my pup Willie wandering in and out, and sounds of the neighborhood school kids on the playground. Truly delightful.

What was your flagship product—the first style you ever made?

 The first product I made was the Everyday Tote. Simple, classic, and timeless -- and still one of our best selling bags. 

What is your most popular style? And what’s your personal favorite?

Currently our most loved product is the Hip Satchel. This bag is small but mighty! It’s the most versatile piece in our collection -- able to be worn as a hip bag, crossbody bag, or carried as a clutch. 

My personal favorite is a bit of a toss up… I do love them all and mostly swap them out on the daily. Currently I go between the Hip Satchel when I need a hands free option or the Big Book Bag when I’m out all day and need to be ready for anything.

What is the best part of owning your own business?

I’m thankful for the ways it has grown and stretched and strengthened me, individually and professionally. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet so many other creative entrepreneurs and learn from those who are a few steps ahead. And I just really love getting to work with my hands and offer goods that will go on to join the lives and stories of my customers -- so fun! 

What is the hardest part of owning your own business?

Hmmmm… all that “other stuff” I’m so happy when I’m at my work bench designing and making. The admin and financial bits, which are so very essential, don’t come nearly as easy but have provided me an area where I am consistently challenged to grow!

If you didn't own Weather & Story, what would you do?

I played music in the years before starting W&S. I can imagine continuing that journey of living on the road as a folk/americana singer-songwriter :) 

Thanks to Lainey for letting us take a look Behind the Brand! To check out more from Lainey and Weather & Story, you can follow her on Instagram here and shop on WeatherandStory.com