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www.modernluxuria.com
From Oil & Gas to Leather & Love How one Edmonton man seized opportunity during an economic downturn WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
A small team of people - along with the company of
out of the shop in Old Strathcona is obvious when
a shop dog named Storm, are taking raw vegetable-
you see the pictures and videos of the handcrafted
tanned leather and turning it into high quality,
products on the shop’s website and Instagram
hand-crafted items. Clo’s General Leather Co. has
account. “We love working with natural cowhide
been around since 2014. That’s when the oil and gas
leather as it takes on character and ages differently
industry started to slow down, giving the owner,
depending on the customer's use,” said Closen. Clo’s
Kyle Closen, the kickstart and opportunity to pursue
General Leather Co. is excited to show our readers
his dream, “I’ve always been passionate about
their Travel Kit, which includes the Weekend Warrior
working with my hands and creating something
Duffle Bag, the Urban Adventure Backpack, and the
from nothing.” That passion is inherent, it would
Family Passport Cover. The bags are lined with 18
seem. Closen’s grandparents owned an upholstery
ounce water resistant canvas, YKK zippers, and solid
business in Saskatchewan, which could be said was
brass hardware. The passport cover is perfect to keep
where Closen got his talent for creation and his mind
all your passports and travel documents safe and
for business, “before heading to the farm after school
secure. The Clo’s General Co. team makes wallets,
I would head to the shop to earn my allowance
belts, gloves, and other accessories and items. Storm,
by sweeping floors and helping the family,” he
the shop dog is there to add a little extra fluff and
explained. Now Closen works with his fiancé, Dayna
cuteness for the team and their customers to love.
and designer Jess. The quality of the items coming
www.closgeneral.com - 28 -
