Our Commitment & Values
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Handmade & High-Quality
Handcrafted in our shop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, our bags are made with the highest quality leather possible. For most of our designs, that means thick, rich, full-grain leather - the highest grade of leather there is. Full-grain leather has never been sanded down or processed so it retains all of its natural strength and beauty. This truly gorgeous leather also develops its own patina over time, becoming softer and more beautiful the longer you carry it.
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A Brand Driven By Women
Recognition of the beauty and strength of all women and the bonds they share is at the core of our brand. We’re dedicated to supporting women along every step of their journey and building a community that uplifts and strengthens every one of its members. Urban Southern is, above all else, a place where women are seen, heard, and valued.
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Living With Intention
We believe that life is well lived when we take the time to slow down and find beauty in our every day. We savor the sweet moments, nurture bonds with those we love, and value objects that add more to our life than a fleeting rush of gratification. We believe in embracing the future while honoring the traditions of the past and aiming for authenticity in everything we do.
Meet the Team
OWNERS
Rachel & Daniel Smucker
The husband-and-wife team at the helm of Urban Southern, Daniel and Rachel have built a life around handmade leather goods. When they’re not busy designing and crafting gorgeous leather creations, they love spending time together with their children, especially while outside, enjoying nature.
Growing up with 6 sisters, Daniel feels right at home in a business driven primarily by women. He and Rachel are extremely proud of the strong women that make up the Urban Southern team. They’re also deeply invested in the community the brand inspires among its followers.
RETAIL MANAGER / SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Bethany Fisher
Growing up an equestrian, Bethany always had a love for all things leather, from stylish leather boots to saddles and bridles.
As store manager, she oversees daily operations and keeps things running smoothly. She is also the friendly face of Urban Southern’s social media accounts.
Assistant Office Manager
Jenna Stoltzfus
Jenna first heard about Urban Southern through social media. Once she realized that the company was local, she reached out about a job opportunity. With her sweet spirit and eye for design Rachel and Daniel soon realized she’d be the perfect fit.
Jenna helps oversee general day to day operations in the storefront and the shipping department, and helps our production team when they need an extra hand.
On the weekends Jenna enjoys being active and spending time outside playing a game of ultimate frisbee with friends.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Jennifer Weiler
Jennifer's love for crafts and sewing first led her to the retail store to purchase some scrap leather.
She uses her years of sewing experience and perfectionist-personality to continue the tradition of quality that is at the core of every Urban Southern bag.
In her free time she can be found working on a piece of jewelry or perfecting a beautiful painting!
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Joetta Hoover
Joetta’s industrious and artistic spirit led her to a love of sewing and leatherwork.
When she’s not sewing and laughing with the rest of the Urban Southern team, Joetta enjoys spending time outside with her family, walking, biking, or playing with her dogs.
Production Assistant
Emma Slippy
Emma first heard about Urban Southern from our assistant office manager, Jenna. Their friendship paved the way for an introduction to the company and started her on a journey to become one our expert leather crafters. Her precise stitching and creative eye continues to be a great asset to our workshop.
Emma is thrilled that she gets to use her creativity in a productive outlet by crafting beautiful & sustainable products that will last for a lifetime. When she's not sewing a handbag, you'll find her painting, hiking or creating macrame masterpieces.
Production Assistant
Kathy Ebersol
Kathy grew up around the leather crafting industry, with her grandfather and now uncle operating the Smucker's Harness leather shop, and turning Urban Southern into what it is today. She enjoys the satisfaction of stitching and finds sewing to be a therapeutic outlet.
When she's not sitting at a sewing machine crafting leather creations, she enjoys fine-tuning her photography skills, or pursuing her musical talents playing the piano and singing with friends.
Sales Representative
Ada Stoltzfus
As our main sales representative Ada is the friendly face you'll first see when stepping into our storefront. Her sweet disposition and positive attitude help set the standard with customer service. As well as ensuring customers are taken care of & the store is organized, Ada also helps our production assistants with tasks in the workshop.
When she's not helping a customer pick out the perfect handbag, you'll find her in the kitchen baking up a treat, reading a good book or tending to her many houseplants.