If you’ve been paying attention to your inbox you already know a little bit about the exciting changes happening at Urban Southern. If you missed it, don’t worry! This post will catch you up, plus introduce you to some new faces you’ll come to know (as well as one you’re already familiar with).
As of September 2019, ownership of Urban Southern will be changing hands; Daniel and Rachel Smucker are the faces behind Smucker Harness, a brand known for being one of the top harness makers in the world. They’re also the founders of Welsh Mountain Co, a men’s leather accessories line. Their experience and knowledge in the world of premium leather goods makes them the perfect pair to take the reins at Urban Southern.
A couple of years ago, a customer came into Smucker Harness and showed Daniel their Urban Southern bag. Impressed with the bag’s quality and design, Daniel began to follow the brand. When he later met Regina’s husband, Jay, at a leather auction he realized they had a connection prior to becoming fans of each other’s work: both 3rd generation leather smiths, they had played together as children while their fathers and grandfathers bid at that very same leather auction!
All grown up and master leather smiths in their own right, they chatted about business as they bid; Daniel explained he was a fan of Urban Southern and Jay mentioned that Regina might be looking to move on. Daniel expressed interest if she moved forward and the conversation turned to other things, neither realizing just how fortuitous a meeting it would prove to be.
A few months later, Regina reached out to the Smuckers officially and a new chapter for Urban Southern began. Under Daniel and Rachel’s leadership, Urban Southern will relocate to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and open its first-ever brick-and-mortar store! To help smooth the transition, the Smuckers asked Ruby, Urban Southern’s production manager, to move with the company to Lancaster.
Though you’ll find it north of the Mason Dixon Line, Lancaster is the perfect fit for Urban Southern’s style. A beautiful mashup of tradition and modernity, Lancaster has a little bit of something for everyone, earning it write-ups in big-name publications and nods from celebrity visitors. From rolling farmland to historic city blocks, old-fashioned markets to chic eateries, Lancaster is much like a US bag – classic and trendy, all at once.
Daniel and Rachel are committed to maintaining Urban Southern’s standards. US bags will be made with the same leather Regina had custom-designed for Urban Southern in the beginning and Ruby staying on as production manager will further ensure that US customers continue to be delighted by the brand. Although Urban Southern’s quality will remain the same, the hope is to expand the brand in new directions and introduce it to new audiences. There are exciting things in store at Urban Southern. Stay tuned!
Meet the New Urban Southern Team!
DANIEL & RACHEL SMUCKER
OWNERS
When it comes to the finest quality leather and timeless design, the Smuckers have a world-renowned reputation and are looking forward to bringing that same commitment to excellence to Urban Southern. Family-oriented and fantastic multi-taskers, both Daniel and Rachel will have a hand in the design and creation of Urban Southern products, along with running their other businesses and caring for their foster children.
RUBY SCHWARTZ
DESIGNER & PRODUCTION MANAGER
An Urban Southern veteran, Ruby oversees the design and creation of every US product. Her passion for the brand and eye for detail is evident in the exceptional quality of every bag our customers carry. Though she’ll always be a southern girl at heart, Ruby has an adventurous spirit and is thrilled to be moving to Lancaster – not only because it means staying with the brand she loves but because of all of the wonderful new experiences it will bring with it.
SADIE SMOKER
RETAIL MANAGER | SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Lancaster, Sadie has always thrived on creating order from chaos. As a store manager for a successful local donut chain, she put that talent to work overseeing daily operations and keeping things running smoothly. Now she’ll bring those same skills to Urban Southern’s first retail location, as well as becoming the new, friendly face of US social media. Sadie is most excited to be joining a brand centered around women. She’s also looking forward to no longer having to wake up before dawn!
JOETTA HOOVER
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Another Lancaster native, Joetta found Urban Southern when she walked into the Smucker’s harness shop looking to buy leather for her own small projects. Possessing an artistic and industrious spirit, when Joetta wanted a new leather purse she decided to make it herself by watching YouTube videos! She enjoyed it so much she decided to keep going, which led her to the Smucker’s shop for materials. After hearing her story, Daniel knew she was just what Urban Southern was looking for in a production assistant. Joetta is excited to join Urban Southern and hone her leatherworking skills. She wants every bag she makes to turn out as well as if she herself planned to carry it!
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