About Us


Where we began

Leelanau Trading Company is a leather studio located in Northern Michigan. Established in 1993 by Ted Gilmer and his wife Ruth Gilmer where they were inspired to create American made leather products that bring the beauty of wood crafting and leather together in their unique products

Our Mission:

We strive to bring to our customers products that they can pass down generation to generation. A product they can carry with pride and love. Over the last 24 years we have looked to carry out this mission and make our customers happy again and again. We want our customers to have that special feeling every time they come into contact with our products. That feeling that reminds them of sitting on Grandpa's lap while reading a leather bound book. Where you can reminisce about older times and enjoy the feel of leather beneath your finger tips as you pass these products on with memories in tow. We want our customers to love their unique products that have been put together with heart and craftsmanship.

Leelanau Trading Company is now known for its excellent craftsmanship and design aesthetic that reaches not only the female audience with purses and totes but to the male audience with luggage, briefcases and Journals.