After a surf trip and a lockdown-era moment of “what’s next?”, Eric Dover picked up a roll of leather and unknowingly rewired the course of his life. What began as an attempt to make a single belt turned into a full-fledged craft—one fueled by pop-up markets, community support, and a relentless drive to build something real. Today, Summerland Leather Co. stands in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, where Eric handcrafts durable, character-rich pieces shaped by his artistic roots, coastal upbringing, and a deep respect for honest materials.