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 on a dusty shelf at the local craft store, she transformed it into a simple tote bag which sparked her passion for leatherwork.
Over the years, Kay kept returning to the idea of a brand of her own, one with room for all of her creativity. One day she stopped returning to it and started building it. The rest of the story is still unfolding.
What's in a name?
PER·SIST·ENCE
[PƏRˈSISTƏNS] noun
1. The quality of continuing despite challenges
"Nothing replaces persistence" was our founding mantra. We returned to it often in the early years of building the studio. That belief became our name, and it continues to guide our work.
2. The quality of enduring over time
We make each piece for years of daily use. The leather holds its looks and wears in gently. Carried often. Cared for well. Kept for years.
Committed to a few simple things
Values
Responsible materials
Using full-grain leather tanned with plant tannins, from hides that are a byproduct of the food industry.
Heritage quality
Using full-grain leather that wears in gently, with heritage construction techniques, to make pieces worth keeping.
Small-batch production
Keeping design and production in-house, from start to finish.
Considered design
Designing quiet, useful shapes that sit outside trends.
Thoughtful ownership
Making pieces to be carried for years and handed down, not replaced each season.