How it all began
Story
Kay Lewicke, founder of PERSISTENCE, started her career on a conventional path. With a degree in computer science, she secured a software engineering position at a Fortune 500 company, setting the stage for a promising corporate career.
In search of a creative outlet, Kay began sewing handbags in her home office, using fabric from thrift store clothing. After discovering a piece of leather and transforming it into a simple tote bag, Kay’s passion for leatherwork was sparked.
Over the years, Kay dreamed of creating her own brand, one that would allow her to fully express her creativity. In 2020, the year that made us all rethink the way we live and work, she decided it was time to pursue that dream. The rest of the story is still unfolding.
What's in a name?
PER·SIST·ENCE
[PƏRˈSISTƏNS] noun
1. The quality of not giving up until you succeed.
When launching the brand, Kay embraced the mantra, “Nothing replaces persistence.” New to the handbag and leather industries, she faced many obstacles, but it was persistence that was the key to success.
2. The continued or prolonged existence of something.
Persistence embodies a commitment to expertly crafting each piece to last a lifetime. PERSISTENCE bags wear beautifully over the years, earning character and patina to tell a unique story with understated style.
Commited to a few simple things
Values
Sustainability. Using vegetable tanned leather that is minimally processed and doesn’t rely on toxic chromium salts in the tanning process.
Heritage quality. Using full grain leather that wears beautifully over the years and heritage construction techniques to create pieces that last.
Small batch production. Keeping design and production in-house, from start to finish. Making to order to reduce waste.
Enduring design. Creating modern classics that withstand the test of time and stay relevant through quickly changing trends.
Thoughtful consumption. Offering consumers a way to embrace the idea of owning fewer things, but choosing them wisely.