Tools of the leather trade used by Kahlil Johnson.

Tools of the leather trade used by Kahlil Johnson.

Kahlil Johnson – Leather

In 2001 Kahlil Johnson was living in New York City working as a Footwear designer during the day and taking Handbag Construction classes at night.  One day while struggling with a shoe fit she realized she would much rather make functional handbags than shoes. Since 2004 living in Truckee she does just that. Leather handbags and belts, wallets and bracelets Kahlil creates edgy yet timeless one of a kind pieces that make the perfect fit.

Were you cautioned or encouraged to follow through with your art as a means to make a living?

I was always encouraged. Why, I'm not so sure! I look back on some of those early bags and I think: Boy, have I come a long way.

What made you stick with it?

My shoe teacher encouraged me and I love what I do. Seeing my bags around town and out of town makes me smile. Someone is wearing something I made and it is working for them.

Is there a single purpose that keeps you focused?

I love making beautiful functional bags for men and women to carry their "life" around with them. I love going into my workshop and creating a three dimensional object out of two dimensional products.

Is there something the world should know about you and/or the leather work that you do?

My bags are made to be worn and worn out if possible.

I love the owl mug from @bgprodaniuk It’s pictured with a #californiashelterinplace place bag and the #renate
I love the owl mug from @bgprodaniuk It’s pictured with a #californiashelterinplace place bag and the #renate
Happy St Patrick’s day! I have been having so much fun with GREEN lately. @riversidestudios
Happy St Patrick’s day! I have been having so much fun with GREEN lately. @riversidestudios
More brightness in the #renate bag. Perfect bag for day in day out use. This bag in a bit bigger for your goods. Not so big that you can stuff it and make it heavy! @riversidestudios
More brightness in the #renate bag. Perfect bag for day in day out use. This bag in a bit bigger for your goods. Not so big that you can stuff it and make it heavy! @riversidestudios
A big beautiful #cinder bag with @buchanjewelry turquoise necklace draped over the collar. I love brown and turquoise together! @riversidestudios
A big beautiful #cinder bag with @buchanjewelry turquoise necklace draped over the collar. I love brown and turquoise together! @riversidestudios
New this week! #cell bag with a 49” strap @riversidestudios this bag is perfect for your cell, a few credit cards, some cash and chapstick.
New this week! #cell bag with a 49” strap @riversidestudios this bag is perfect for your cell, a few credit cards, some cash and chapstick.
The #missy bag with an #alannahugespottery mug @riversidestudios
The #missy bag with an #alannahugespottery mug @riversidestudios
Nothing like some sunshine orange to keep you going when it’s a little gray out! @riversidestudios #renate #cell #beetles
Nothing like some sunshine orange to keep you going when it’s a little gray out! @riversidestudios #renate #cell #beetles
This is the Reign Supreme Lion Heart piece I did last year. I have no idea what I’ll make this year but I guess I better come up with a plan!!!!
Spice up your look with a bright bag. #renate #fanny #ac/dc @riversidestudios
Spice up your look with a bright bag. #renate #fanny #ac/dc @riversidestudios
This jade green is my favorite accent color right now. @riversidestudios
This jade green is my favorite accent color right now. @riversidestudios
Here she is!
I am obsessed with chicken mugs! 3 of these are from my favorite chicken potter! Sadly my entire flock of chickens were taken out by the resident coyote. I think she has a litter to feed so she is getting braver. She climbed/jumped my 6’ fe
I am obsessed with chicken mugs! 3 of these are from my favorite chicken potter! Sadly my entire flock of chickens were taken out by the resident coyote. I think she has a litter to feed so she is getting braver. She climbed/jumped my 6’ fence and ate my ladies. Now all I have left are my mugs by @bgprodaniuk We are coming up with a plan for a new flock that is coyote and bob cat safe. For now I enjoy my mugs! @riversidestudios
More color to go with the 4” of snow we got last night. This is the #renate and if you don’t see the color you are in search of just ask. I have a lot of bags @riversidestudios right now. I also make custom bags!
More color to go with the 4” of snow we got last night. This is the #renate and if you don’t see the color you are in search of just ask. I have a lot of bags @riversidestudios right now. I also make custom bags!
Just some turquoise embossed leather, one of my favorites to work with. These are soft with a light texture that feel so good. #fannypack #cleopatra #claudio all @riversidestudios
Just some turquoise embossed leather, one of my favorites to work with. These are soft with a light texture that feel so good. #fannypack #cleopatra #claudio all @riversidestudios
Color! Color! Color! Of course I have all of these styles in black, brown and red! @riversidestudios
Color! Color! Color! Of course I have all of these styles in black, brown and red! @riversidestudios
I love this green turquoise color, let’s call it Jade!
I love this green turquoise color, let’s call it Jade!
It’s a blue bird day here in Truckee! Enjoy the fresh crisp air!
It’s a blue bird day here in Truckee! Enjoy the fresh crisp air!
Bright colors make me happy. #cleopatra in fuchsia and floral embossed purple with an AC/DC in the same purple! @riversidestudios
Bright colors make me happy. #cleopatra in fuchsia and floral embossed purple with an AC/DC in the same purple! @riversidestudios
Just a little color screaming spring! This is the #fannypack #glasscase #claudio #Amour or XL wrist @riversidestudios
Just a little color screaming spring! This is the #fannypack #glasscase #claudio #Amour or XL wrist @riversidestudios
Née colors for the #ac/dc bag back after a few years. I love all the bright colors. Makes me feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is near. This will be @riversidestudios on Thursday.
Née colors for the #ac/dc bag back after a few years. I love all the bright colors. Makes me feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is near. This will be @riversidestudios on Thursday.