About Us

My name is Justin Scammey, and I am the craftsman behind Burnt Out Leather Works. The name reflects where this journey began. After years in the corporate grind, I found myself “burnt out” and searching for something more meaningful. The spark came when my daughter, Malerie, challenged me to enter something in our local fair.

At the same time, a close family member was battling cancer. I set out to create something truly special for her which ended up being a journal to capture her journey to ringing the bell at the end of her treatment. She beat cancer and rang that bell, and I walked away with more than a ribbon at the fair. I had discovered a new passion, one that quickly grew from a hobby into a craft I could not put down.

Today, I make leather goods that are rugged, functional, and built to last - from everyday essentials to bags and wallets. Each piece is handmade in the USA, using hides and hardware carefully sourced from trusted American suppliers whenever possible. Our goods are crafted to age beautifully, developing a patina that reflects both their strength and your journey.

What began as a challenge has grown into a family business. Malerie now leads the marketing and social media side while I stay at the workbench. My son, Willard, lends his engineering talent to designing everything from tools to helping me with pattern designs. My wife, Larissa, lends her hand with graphic design and keeping me focused. Together, we are building Burnt Out Leather Works into more than a brand, it is our way of crafting durable, meaningful goods made to help you build your life’s journey!