Leather and Fire

Kansas City firefighter Justin Fitzwater’s leather-working hobby has grown into a thriving side hustle. 

Shortly after his daughter was born, Fitzwater found himself awake late one night scrolling through YouTube when he stumbled upon a video of someone carving leather. Given Fitzwater’s background in painting, the video piqued his curiosity. His interest soon turned into a process of trial and error as he began teaching himself the craft.

“Leather working is the second oldest trade for humans to do, aside from cooking when fire came around,” Fitzwater says. “I like that. It’s exciting.”

Starting with custom helmet shields and locker tags for fellow firefighters, many of his early projects were made to commemorate special occasions like promotions and retirements.

After honing the craft and developing an increasing demand, Fitzwater and his wife, Tiffani, officially launched their business, Fitzwater Leather, in 2019.

“I do this every day I’m not at the fire station,” Fitzwater says.

The couple has since expanded beyond fire-service products. Their custom leather decanters have become a hit. 

Using vintage-inspired glassware, each decanter is wrapped in tanned cowhide leather, hand carved and painted by Fitzwater. The leather is sourced from St. Louis’ Hermann Oak Leather—a company that’s been around since the Oregon Trail. 

“We don’t use lasers or anything of that sort,” he says. “We’re doing it the old fashioned way—the way it’s been done in this country for almost centuries.”

The custom-designed piece makes for a fitting and one-of-a-kind gift for Father’s Day or, with wedding season in full swing, for newlyweds. Naturally, it’s best gifted alongside a bottle of whiskey. 

Shop Fitzwater Leather’s collection at fitzwaterleather.com.

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