Member Spotlight - Arleen Jones-Harkness

Member: Arleen Jones-Harkness
AJH Leather Designs
Member Since: May 2, 2026

HOW DID YOUR BRAND COME TO BE?

AJH Leather Designs was born from a desire to create beautiful, purposeful pieces that could stand the test of time. What began as a creative exploration of leather evolved into a deeper calling. I taught myself the craft, learning through hands-on experience, experimentation, and a willingness to keep refining my skills. Over time, I discovered that leather gave me something more than a material to work with—it gave me a way to tell stories, solve problems, and create pieces that become part of someone’s journey.

My brand grew from that philosophy. I became intentional about using quality, responsibly sourced leather and sustainable materials, while finding ways to minimize waste and give materials a second life. I do not believe luxury and sustainability have to be opposites.

Retro 45 Bag

Today, AJH Leather Designs is a luxury sustainable leather design house specializing in handcrafted, made-to-order and bespoke pieces. Each creation is designed and made with purpose, from the selection of the leather to the smallest finishing detail.

The evolution of AJH Leather Designs has also been deeply personal. What started as a craft has grown into a recognized creative brand and an opportunity to share my perspective as a Black woman artisan and designer. My work has taken me from handmade marketplaces to fashion and artisan events, including New York Fashion Week and sustainable fashion platforms.

At the heart of everything I create is a simple philosophy: **find a need and fill it.** I want every piece to be more than something beautiful. I want it to be useful, meaningful, and made to matter.

That is the heart of AJH Leather Designs:

**Rooted in Craft. Designed for Purpose. Made to Matter.**

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

AJH Leather Designs was established in 2019, and I have been building the brand for approximately seven years.

What began as a creative leather-crafting journey has evolved into a luxury sustainable leather design house specializing in handcrafted, made-to-order, and bespoke leather goods.

Miss Angela’s Tote Bag

HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS CHANGED SINCE JOINING TAG?

Since joining The Artisan Group, AJH Leather Designs has evolved in both visibility and vision.

TAG has given me an opportunity to connect with other artisans, expand my exposure, and see my work within a broader creative community. Being part of a group of talented makers has encouraged me to think beyond simply creating individual leather pieces and to look more intentionally at the brand I am building.

My work has continued to evolve toward luxury, sustainability, and bespoke craftsmanship. I have become more intentional about how I present my work, tell my story, and position AJH Leather Designs as a design house rather than simply a handmade leather business.

Most importantly, joining TAG has reinforced the value of being recognized not only for what I make, but for the craftsmanship, purpose, and story behind each piece. It has encouraged me to continue growing while remaining rooted in the hands-on artistry that brought AJH Leather Designs to life.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY PLACEMENTS ON TV OR FILM?
Not at this time. While AJH Leather Designs has received exposure through fashion and artisan events, including New York Fashion Week and sustainable fashion platforms, I have not yet had a confirmed television or film placement. I look forward to opportunities to bring AJH Leather Designs to film and television in the future.

WHAT IS ONE SMALL WIN YOU HAVE HAD RECENTLY THAT DESERVES CELEBRATING?
One small win I am celebrating is recognizing that AJH Leather Designs is entering a new chapter.After years of building my business while working a full-time job, I have reached a place where I can clearly see the direction I want to take the brand. I am refining my collections, focusing more intentionally on bespoke and luxury craftsmanship, and building the foundation for the next stage of AJH Leather Designs.

It may seem like a small win, but for me, gaining that clarity is significant. Sometimes the biggest progress begins with simply knowing where you are going next.

The Chrystolyn Doctor’s Bag

WHAT IS A BOOK OR PODCAST OR RESOURCE YOU RECOMMEND AND WHY?

One resource I would recommend is .*The Go-Giver* by Bob Burg and John David Mann.

The reason I recommend it is because its central message aligns closely with how I approach both business and life: focus on creating genuine value for others. I believe in finding a need and filling it, rather than simply creating something to sell.

As an artisan, that principle has shaped how I design. I want my pieces to be beautiful, but I also want them to serve a purpose, solve a need, and have lasting value. *The Go-Giver* is a reminder that meaningful businesses are built by focusing on the value we bring to people.

That philosophy is reflected in my own motto: **Rooted in Craft. Designed for Purpose. Made to Matter.**