Still, he has no regrets and sees the benefits of being self-taught. “Every time I failed, I’d ask myself, ‘How can I improve?’” he said. “It’s a very small circle, and word spreads fast within niche groups like this,” he said. He buys leathers directly from a tannery in Singapore or from a supplier. “Usual crafters use basic alligator and calf, but I love trying out different materials such as beaver tail, special effect lizards, stingray, sharkskin and tilapia fish.

---

Persons: I’d, ”, “, Chuah, —, I’ll, leathers Locations: Singapore, Paya