From Alaska to South Africa. Grassroots business brings handmade ostrich leather goods to U.S. Ivan Heimbuch didn’t travel to Africa looking for leather. He was an actor and a fisherman from Alaska, simply exploring new possibilities. He didn’t go to start a business, or to learn from South African craftsmen, or to put all of his own skills and expectations in life to the test.

But that’s what he did when he started Volstruis by Ivan, a line of handmade ostrich leather goods that combine the style and authenticity of their Cape Town roots. “When I first showed up in Cape Town in 2011,” Heimbuch said. “I looked for exotic leather items that were creative and reasonably priced, but there just wasn’t anything appealing.”

Given the two options of high-priced luxury pieces, or lower priced but lower quality items, Heimbuch chose option three — create a new choice from scratch. The materials were there — readily available from local farms — as were the talented craftsmen that had perfected their trade in Cape Town’s leather industry.

“With the skills learned from my architecture degree, I decided to design my own pieces,” he said. “I had no idea what I was getting into, but I had a set of three luggage bags made. As soon as they were finished, I knew I was onto something much bigger.”
The journey that followed would cross three continents, 15 months and 11 times zones before Volstruis reached its current crossroads — a crowd source funding, Kickstarter campaign that aims to launch the grassroots business into the marketplace, at the same time it offers its signature items to supporters at wholesale prices.

After more than a year of intensive work, Heimbuch is eager to see Volstruis take its next step into the world. “Our goal is to bring handmade, authentic ostrich leather goods from South Africa to Kickstarter backers around the globe.” The Kickstarter rewards include belts, wallets and iPhone cases, but 14 more products are waiting in the wings as Volstruis works to continue development through new growth.

“The plan for the product line is robust,” Heimbuch said. “But this first offering is modest and very accessible. It encompasses the primary elements, and it’s a wonderful place for us to start this relationship.” The designs are intended to bring the luxury of exotic pieces into daily life at a reasonable price. Aaron Ulmer, brand representative for Oakley Eyewear, had this to say after using the products:

“The pieces of Volstruis by Ivan blend seamlessly between casual and business settings, and are wonderful for every aspect of day to day living. They are for people who want a quality leather item that shows off a personal commitment to unique style in an exotic, handmade piece of art.”

Volstruis products incorporate some of the best craftsmanship available in South Africa, starting at the Klein Karoo tannery, which has been working with ostriches for nearly 70 years. “When it comes to the leathers, we go directly to Klein Karoo in Oudtshoorn, South Africa and choose every single skin personally,” Heimbuch said. “Technological advancement and ongoing research have enabled Klein Karoo to produce the very best exotic leather from farm-reared ostriches. Today, Klein Karoo represents more than 800 farmer members and their leather is the choice of the most discerning buyers from around the world.”

Handpicked materials then go directly to the craftsmen in Cape Town that work intimately with Heimbuch’s designs, imbuing every unique item with their expertise.

“Augustine and Tofara, our two craftsmen, have more than 40 years in the exotic leather crafting trade between them,” Heimbuch said. “Their insight into their local leathers adds such complexity to each piece.”

The road to this point has not been without challenges — including funding, logistics and at times, safety. The products Heimbuch has designed not only represent the hard work and fine detailing he and the Volstruis craftsmen put into them, but a larger journey of perseverance. Heimbuch hopes that journey and message will be imparted to anyone who carries a Volstruis item, one that symbolizes the diligence and ingenuity that created it.

“These leather goods are a beacon to step into the unknown, get to work, and create realities of worthy ideas.” Heimbuch’s background is, in many ways, as unique as the items he’s ready to share with the world. Born and raised in Homer, Alaska, he still returns to his Pacific home to commercial fish for wild Alaska salmon every summer with his father and sister. The legacy of hard work and determination he learned on the back deck of a fishing boat have served him well as he’s pushed himself to bring Volstruis from dream to reality.

The same attention to detail and impeccable craft he learned at the architectural drafting table, designing buildings with function and grace, are now the trademark qualities of his leather pieces. They combine his personal history, the skill of Africa’s craftsmen, and the style of exotic leathers.

“Just like our journey in getting to this point, these pieces are now uniquely South African,” Heimbuch said. “They have a life, a home, and a story.” The Volstruis Kickstarter campaign launched on February 25th, 2014. Visit it at www.vbyivan.com to find out more about this brand’s unique story and stunning products. Rewards start at just a $25 donation, which earns the backer their chosen style and color of iPhone case — $50 less than the expected retail price. Rewards increase from there, and will ship following the close of a successful campaign on March 27th.

For more information, please contact Ivan Heimbuch at 907-299-4333, or volstruisbyivan@gmail.com

Volstruis by Ivan — Press Release Feb. 25, 2014
Ivan Heimbuch
4540 Anderson Street, Homer, AK 99603
www.vbyivan.com
907 299 4333