ADAM MAQBOUL
FOUNDER & ARTISAN
80Proof Goods started as a hobby, grew into an after-hours part time job, and eventually became my full-time profession. I found my passion in making quality leather goods that people can use and enjoy every single day, while filming the process along the way for people to watch.
the beginning
Leathercraft that started as a hobby
I started trying my hand at making leather goods in early 2020 with a Cricut Maker I got for my wife. I wanted to make myself a wallet, so I found some free patterns online, picked up a starter tool kit and crappy leather and got to it. The first several were terrible, but I kept at it until I made something I was happy with and could actually use. The guest room in my house quickly become the make-shift workshop for after hours crafting.
BRANDING & selling
THE START OF 80PG
After months of crafting small leather goods like wallets and notebook covers, I opened an Etsy page and began selling the goods under the name 80Proof Goods - a name born from my late nights of crafting over a whiskey after working my full time job. I originally started with hand-dying and hand-stitching everything. I eventually took time (and money) to do some R&D with different leather types and sources before landing on what would become the leather staples for the business. Once the materials were locked in and the product line was set, the first 80Proof Goods website launched.
A GROWING BUSINESS
FROM HOBBY TO FULL-TIME JOB
In 2021 the business saw a huge jump in success. I moved into our small garage to get a little more space to work as I found myself swamped with orders. I used my full-time job's skills of being a video host to make video content for my growing part-time leathercraft business. It got to a point where videos were going viral with millions of views and the business was taking on more than I could handle part-time. In October 2021, I quit my full time job to pursue 80Proof Goods as a profession.
going viral
bigger space = more content
The next year was filled with trial and error with craft fairs and different methods of marketing, exploding video content, and moving into a 2-car garage workshop that more than doubled the previous space. New space meant more video content more often, which led to an explosive social media presence that took the business to a new level.
help needed
increasing efficiency
As a solo artisan shop, it got to the point in 2024 when I was taking on more than I could handle. Orders flooding in meant I needed help. My best friend came on as an apprentice part time to help cut and prep orders, eventually helping to fulfill orders completely. New machines and equipment came into the shop help further expedite the process and increase efficiency.
keeping the quality standard
continuing to make and evolve
80Proof Goods continues to pump out content, fill orders, try new things and get creative with different small batch and limited edition drops, all while staying true to the original business model. We'll continue to engage with our incredibly supporting customers and make full-grain leather goods that'll last forever.