Chasing a Dream for Six Years: From Failure to Breakthrough in Leathercraft

What's Inside

The $6,000 Problem That Almost Ended My Business

A Chance Encounter in Hong Kong

A Lesson Six Years in the Making

Finally, a Dream Fulfilled

The Magic of Perseverance

In 2017, I opened my Etsy shop with a simple dream — to make a few handcrafted wallets from home. Within just a few months, that dream started to take off faster than I expected. Orders came pouring in, and suddenly, personalization became everything. Customers wanted their initials, names, and meaningful messages embossed onto my leather goods. Then, as my small brand grew, new customers emerged — corporate clients. They wanted their logos and business names stamped on my products. It was an exciting opportunity, but it came with a massive challenge that nearly cost me my business.

DISCLAIMER: I earn a small commission from each RedT machine purchased through my link — it helps support the channel and future reviews.

The $6,000 Problem That Almost Ended My Business

Corporate clients required brass logo stamps for their orders. Each custom stamp cost me around $100 or more and took at least a week to produce and ship — often from overseas. That delay meant missed deadlines and lost deals, some worth tens of thousands of dollars. I hated turning away opportunities, so I decided to solve the problem myself.

I invested in a CNC machine — a huge, complex piece of equipment that I hoped could engrave brass stamps in-house. It cost me $6,000, a fortune for a small business owner, especially one operating from a tiny workspace. I had no experience with CNC technology, but I was determined. I bought additional tools, software, and materials, spending more money and countless hours trying to make it work.

But months turned into years. The learning curve was too steep, and between fulfilling orders and running my business, I had no time left to master it. The machine followed me through multiple workshop moves, sitting unused and collecting dust. After five years of frustration, I finally sold it for $1,000 — a painful reminder of failure and wasted time.

A Chance Encounter in Hong Kong

Fast forward to earlier this year, when I attended a leather exhibition in Hong Kong. As I wandered through the aisles, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks: a small, desktop-sized machine engraving brass stamps right before my eyes — in real time. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

I rushed to the booth to learn more. The machine was made by a Korean company called REDt, and it was designed specifically for creators like me — compact, clean, and simple to use. Unlike my old CNC setup, this was a complete system: software, tools, materials, and even training. Everything I had struggled to piece together for years was now in one turnkey solution.

The team at REDt invited me to South Korea to learn firsthand how the system worked. It felt like fate — not only had I always wanted to visit Korea, but this was my chance to finally solve a problem that had haunted me for six years.

A Lesson Six Years in the Making

Landing in South Korea, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was ready. When the team demonstrated the process, it was almost unbelievable how easy it was. In just thirty minutes of training, I made my very first brass stamp — something I couldn’t achieve after years of trying with my CNC machine.

That moment hit me hard. It wasn’t just about making a stamp; it was about breaking through a wall that had held me back for years. The REDt team explained that their mission was to empower creators — to remove the bottlenecks that slow down innovation. I realized this machine wasn’t just a tool; it was a creative unlock.

Outside the workshop, I took the time to explore Korea — its streets, food, and culture. There’s a beautiful balance there between tradition and innovation, which mirrored what I was experiencing in my own craft. By the time I left, the trip had become more than a business journey — it was a personal turning point.

Finally, a Dream Fulfilled

Before flying home, I made it official: REDt would send me the machine. We also agreed to offer something special for the creator community that’s been following my journey.

A few weeks later, the machine arrived at my studio. For the first time in six years, I had full control over my designs. I could create custom brass stamps on demand, opening a new world of creative possibilities. The machine became the missing piece of my dream — the one that turned frustration into fulfillment.

For fellow leather workers, hobbyists, or small studios, this could be one of the best investments you’ll ever make. REDt even agreed to offer my community a 10% discount and free shipping on their machine. Just use the code "TANNER" when ordering through their website.

The Magic of Perseverance

Sometimes, it takes years of failure to arrive at a solution that feels effortless. This journey taught me that persistence pays off — even if it takes six years and a few costly mistakes. When you finally solve the problem that’s been holding you back, it feels like magic.

So, to every creator chasing their own version of this story: stay curious, keep experimenting, and never stop learning. Because every setback brings you closer to your breakthrough.