About Calypso Leatherworks Inc.
Calypso Leatherworks Inc. is a passion that finally decided to become reality in 2025. Being a small part-time business is not without its challenges, but you have to give it a chance to become, grow, and take off or regret the unknown.
The name: surprisingly more difficult to create that most know. Calypso, of course there is a story, but not a music one as you may first think. Nope, it was a horse, whose name was Calypso Countess, and the name was fascinating to a child. So, being in the Thoroughbred horse world, what would your official horse name be? Within the parameters of The Jockey Club and Canadian Thoroughbred Hoses Society Naming Rules – Can only be eighteen (18) characters, including spaces and punctuation, cannot be copyright, etc… The name was Calypso Kate. For those into mythology, “Calypso ‘she who conceals, or ‘like the hidden tide’ was a nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia, where, according to Homer’s Odyssey, she detained Odysseus for seven years against his will.” Source: Wikipedia. There are several other references to nymphs named Calypso, which can be researched. And so it became Calypso Leatherworks Inc.
The logo: also very difficult to envision, as we come into contact with so many brands nowadays. What stood out and refused to be ignored? A nautical compass rose, which represents the different paths life has taken and will take in the future, and a family history of sailing on Great Lakes freighters.
How it Started:
Having worked in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry, you become familiar with the tools and equipment that are essential to the everyday routine, least of all the halters, bridles, riding equipment, and numerous other things, that are probably leather. That is where the passion started; the appreciation of the unique smell that is a leather good, the durability, the class, and workmanship put it to it. There is nothing quite like a brand-new leather halter… Appreciation of the workmanship by Fincham’s Harness Shop Ltd. out of Nobleton, Ontario, is what gave the thought life.
It started with finding some leather craft lessons hosted by Tundra Leather out of Hamilton, Ontario. Then it was some tools and supplies, then more lessons, more tools, more supplies, and some fellow barn and horse riders who wondered if I was able to do a small repair? Then it was making dog collars for the family dogs and some friends; making belts for co-workers, and neighbours; halters for the horses. It was time to make it official, and as of July 2025, it was.