(Photo credits: Photos by Abby Pullicin)

When Marcus Vause, owner of Harland Handmade reflects on how he got to where he is today, it's evident that his journey wasn’t a straight path—it was one  of many twists, and pivots through challenges, lessons and unexpected opportunities. It all started in the military, a place where Vause found structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose.

Growing up, the military was almost a given. Not because his father or grandfather had served, but because it was a deep-rooted family tradition going back generations. For Vause, joining the Navy felt almost like fate. Instead of choosing a typical job, he went for the hardest one, the Nuclear Propulsion program. "I wanted the most technical, challenging job in the military. I knew I could handle it," Vause says.

His time in the military took him from Charleston to Hawaii and beyond, serving on submarines. What stuck the most to Vause was how the military shaped and molded him into who he is now. "It teaches you how to stay calm under pressure," he shared. "When the heat is on, you don’t freeze up, you step back and see the bigger picture."

Vause came back to Charleston with a mission in mind: to focus on his education and military service. He enrolled at the College of Charleston in 2019, where he got involved with the Founders Club—a group of students with entrepreneurship spirit. Little did he know this would open a door to a new passion: leatherworking. He later retired from the military in 2023.

 During the quiet days of the pandemic, Marcus picked up leatherworking as a hobby, learning everything he could from YouTube. Before long, his friends were reaching out for custom leather goods. That’s when he realized something important: "I loved the creative side of it, especially the design. I knew there was something here." What started as a hobby became much more.

In October 2023, Marcus took the plunge and bought Harland Handmade from a friend who had gotten burnt out running the business. "It was a hobby for him, but for me, it was always going to be a business," Marcus says. He saw the potential to take what was already a solid foundation and turn it into something bigger. 

 

The Art of Craftsmanship

At Harland Handmade, Marcus isn’t just making leather goods—he’s making products that stand the test of time. He sources only the best full-grain vegetable-tanned leather from a family-owned tannery in Tuscany that’s been crafting leather for over 150 years. "I wanted to work with the best," he explains. "This leather isn’t just durable—it ages beautifully, developing a rich patina over time."

To make sure he was getting the best materials, Marcus even studied Italian and spent a summer in Florence, where he personally visited the tannery. "It's about making timeless, quality products that reflect both Charleston’s and Italy’s craftsmanship."

The products at Harland Handmade are all about simplicity and elegance. One of Marcus’s favorites is the Grove wallet, a sleek, unisex piece that fits everything you need—business cards, credit cards, and cash—without being bulky. Another standout is the Cistern Passport Wallet, named after a landmark at the College of Charleston. For Marcus, it’s a personal nod to his time at the school and his military service.

 Looking Ahead

Marcus isn’t stopping there. His vision for Harland Handmade includes expanding the product line to appeal to both men and women. "Right now, most of our products are focused on men," he says, "but we know women hold a lot of the purchasing power in households. I want to make products for everyone."

And it’s not just about making great products, it’s also about giving back. For every bookmark sold, Marcus donates the equivalent dollar amount to the Books in Every Bag foundation, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5. "Education is something that’s really important to me, and I want to help foster a love of reading from a young age," he says.

For Marcus, it’s not just about leatherwork or running a business, it’s about creating something that has meaning and a lasting impact. "I’m building more than just a brand," he reflects. "I want to create something that lasts, that people can rely on, and that makes a difference." 

To view Harland Handmade products and to connect with Marcus Vause, please visit the company site: https://www.harlandhandmade.com/