Crafting Legacy: The Artistry and Vision Behind J.D. Brandon Leather Goods

Jordan Brandon is the founder of J.D. Brandon, a luxury leather atelier started in Victoria, BC, dedicated to timeless craftsmanship and refined simplicity. Born and raised in Prince George, BC, Jordan grew up working alongside his father on hands-on projects such as helping repair vehicles, landscaping, and home renovations.

Originally trained as a pharmacist, Jordan’s path took a turn in January 2020, when he discovered leatherworking through videos of artisans crafting beautiful pieces. What began as a curiosity quickly became an obsession when he realized that sewing leather by hand gave him the same sense of fulfillment he had growing up.

He started by making wallets and small leather goods, eager to improve with every piece. As his skills advanced, he challenged himself with larger and more complex designs, eventually mastering the craftsmanship required for handbags and duffle bags.

With no formal training, he spent years refining his technique in saddle stitching and traditional leather craftsmanship, shaping J.D. Brandon into a brand defined by patience, precision, and artistry.

While still working in pharmacy, Jordan has built J.D. Brandon from the ground up, ensuring that each piece reflects his dedication to precision, quality, and thoughtful design. His approach focuses on pure form, craftsmanship, and materials that age beautifully over time. His designs reject excess, embracing elegance in simplicity and the beauty of transformation.

Beyond the atelier, Jordan finds inspiration in photography, adventure, and the natural world. He enjoys hiking and backpacking in remote landscapes with his wife while capturing the raw beauty of nature through his lens—a practice that, much like leatherwork, requires patience, observation, and an appreciation for detail. He also has a passion for mixology, drawn to the balance of technique, precision, and creativity in crafting a well-made drink.

Through J.D. Brandon, Jordan remains dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and a more personal approach to luxury—creating pieces that are beautifully made, meant to be lived with, and treasured over time.

IN HIS WORDS

“My entrepreneurial spirit has always been present in some way, but I think I fully recognized it when I started J.D. Brandon. Growing up in Prince George, I was always hands-on, whether it was fixing things around the house, helping to work on cars, or building something from scratch. The idea of creating something tangible, something of value, was always something I enjoyed.

“While I pursued pharmacy as a career, I found myself drawn back to working with my hands.

“During COVID, when life slowed down, I came across videos of artisans making leather goods, and something clicked. I knew I had to explore it further. What started as a hobby quickly became an obsession, and before I knew it, I was building a brand.

“As I progressed in leatherwork, it became clearer that this was not only a great fit for me but also something I was deeply passionate about.

“I began researching the industry and realized that only a handful of brands operated at the level of craftsmanship and philosophy I envisioned—without relying on mass production. That discovery motivated me to push forward and work toward establishing my place in that space.

“I had no background in leatherworking but was relentless in learning. I assumed it would be easy, but I was wrong. Every night after work, I practiced stitching, cutting, and designing—refusing to use anyone else’s patterns, despite having no experience in pattern making.

“Frustration was constant. My early pieces never matched my vision, and quitting felt tempting. But each completed project, however imperfect, showed progress. I realized that mastery required patience and persistence.

“My logo also evolved. Initially, I designed a geometric shape symbolizing the coastal mountains and my family. After years of use, my wife and I saw it no longer fit the brand—unfortunately, after printing packaging. She suggested a JDB monogram, which worked instantly and was finalized in one evening.

“Shortly after updating the logo, I discovered handmade artisan papers, replacing the standard tissue paper I had been using.

“Lokta paper from Nepal and Chiyogami paper from Kyoto, both with rich histories and intricate craftsmanship, became key elements of my packaging. This led to an unexpected deep dive into the world of papermaking.

“On that same trip, my wife spotted a wax stamp display. Initially uninterested, I was soon learning how to use one. A spontaneous purchase became the finishing touch—every package would now be sealed with a burgundy wax stamp, pressed with a “J.”

“Breaking into this market was another significant hurdle. Consumers in this space do not just look for quality; they expect legacy, heritage, and an established reputation.

“To establish credibility as a new brand, I have focused on building trust through collaborations and social media, as well as providing tailored, personalized service. This approach allows me to adapt easily, maintain exceptional communication throughout the creation process, and ensure that every piece I make reflects the highest level of craftsmanship.

“Through persistence and a commitment to excellence, I have continued refining not just the product itself but the entire experience around it—so that when someone chooses J.D. Brandon, they are not just buying a bag or an accessory; they are investing in a piece that carries meaning.

“Pursuing J.D. Brandon has required late nights and countless hours spent perfecting my craft, often without an end in sight.

“Every spare moment outside of my work as a pharmacist has been dedicated to improving my skills and building the brand. Balancing two demanding careers has been a challenge, but I see it as a long-term investment rather than a burden.

“The sacrifices have felt easier because my wife Sam is by my side. We make a point to celebrate every win, no matter the size, and always carve out time for our Saturday morning coffee walks in Victoria, taking in the beautiful heritage houses, gardens, ocean views, and the occasional castle.

“Additionally, my family’s belief in my vision has kept me moving forward. My grandmother, a lifelong inspiration, left such a mark on me that I named my flagship handbag, June, in her honour.

“There were a few moments that stand out when I knew J.D. Brandon had the potential to succeed.

“The first was when someone compared my work to an established luxury brand. To me, this meant that the craftsmanship I had been obsessively refining was being recognized at that level.

“The second was during my initial search for collaboration opportunities when I was fortunate to meet with a highly respected global brand. The experience left me feeling revitalized. I had no idea what to expect, but I brought my very best pieces, along with my recently revamped branding and packaging, and was met with extremely positive feedback.

“That validation was a turning point. Up until then, I had been fully immersed in the process, pushing myself to improve with each piece and staying relentlessly critical of my work.

“It gave me the confidence that I was on the right track and reinforced my determination to keep moving forward.

“I have not had a formal mentor, but I have learned a lot by studying the work of others, breaking down what makes great design, great branding, and great craftsmanship. I have spent countless hours analyzing how the best in the industry started, built their legacies, and turned their work into something bigger than just a product.”

“I have always believed that craftsmanship speaks for itself, but I have also come to realize that how something is presented can have a profound impact on its meaning.

“One designer I have studied who has influenced me is Virgil Abloh. I once watched a recording of him holding up a candle in a dented metal can. He said that if the candle were placed in an all-white gallery space, it would look like a piece of art. But if that same candle were placed in a garage, it would look like a piece of trash and probably be thrown away because it is dented.

“He used this as an analogy about how he could either spend his time designing the candle and telling you about the candle, or he could design the room that the candle sits in.

“That idea has stuck with me, and it is something I think about almost every day. I am proud of the designs and level of craftsmanship I have achieved, but how they are presented and experienced is just as important, and this is something I continue to build and work on alongside the products themselves.

“I never set out to mass-produce or compromise on quality and experience, and I have been intentional about ensuring that as I expand, the soul of the brand remains intact. There have been moments when I have had to step back and reassess opportunities, making sure they align with my long-term vision rather than offering short-term gains.

“The decline in quality among mass-produced luxury goods has led many consumers to seek craftsmanship over speed. Rather than prioritizing scale, I focus on creating timeless pieces that age beautifully, with no shortcuts or compromises.

“More people now choose to buy once and buy well, valuing durability and sustainability. Growth for J.D. Brandon has been intentional, ensuring craftsmanship remains at the core. Instead of rapid expansion, I refine collections, enhance customer experience, and connect with those who appreciate true artistry through strategic collaborations and limited releases.

“One example was my participation in Vancouver’s Diamond Rally, where I crafted a bespoke red Maria handbag as an exclusive award, supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This collaboration not only reinforced my commitment to craftsmanship but also allowed me to experience the remarkable quality and design of Pagani’s Utopia and Jacob & Co.’s exceptional timepieces.

“J.D. Brandon is built on quality, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Every piece is designed to be more than just an accessory—it is meant to be a lifelong companion, evolving with you and carrying the marks of your journey. Rooted in traditional leathercrafting techniques perfected over centuries, I refuse to take shortcuts.

“Each piece is crafted with patience, using the highest quality materials, ensuring it will last for decades and only grow more beautiful with time. At the same time, increasing production capabilities while maintaining quality is something I am actively working on. Each piece takes time, and I want to ensure that as demand grows, I can continue delivering at the highest level without compromising the craftsmanship that defines J.D. Brandon.

“I would also love to explore more opportunities for collaborations or co-hosted events with like-minded organizations that value artistry, longevity, and the meaning behind what they create. Whether it is through panel discussions, intimate gatherings, or shared storytelling, I think there is something powerful about bringing people together around a shared appreciation for craftsmanship.

“Beyond that, continued growth means refining the customer experience and ensuring that every touchpoint—from packaging to communication—feels intentional and personal. The more I can create an experience that reflects the thoughtfulness behind each piece, the stronger the connection with those who invest in them.

“When I first started, I was naive to the industry and had no idea how much time and skill it would take to make a leather handbag. If I had known everything involved, I probably would not have started. But my passion gave me the courage and motivation to keep going, day by day. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but if you believe in what you are creating, you will keep going.

“As a small, independent workshop in Victoria, BC, every creation is made in Canada and receives my full attention, allowing me to uphold the highest standards of artistry and authenticity.

“To continue growing over the next two quarters, I want to focus on expanding brand awareness and strengthening J.D. Brandon’s connection with those who share its values.

“My storytelling so far has been mostly visual, but I think there is an opportunity to share more about the journey behind the brand—the philosophy, the craftsmanship, and the thought that goes into every piece.

“A few things I plan to accomplish this year include the possibility of relocating to Vancouver and introducing brand-new products—some smaller, some larger—as well as offering new size options for June, Maria, and the Duffle.

“By the end of 2025, I envision J.D. Brandon becoming more established and recognized, not just for its craftsmanship but for the experience created around each piece. I want to continue expanding my collections, solidifying partnerships, and building an audience that truly appreciates the timeless pieces I am creating.”

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.