Author Introduction

Hiwot Kelemework, Founder of Joywot Origin 

Hiwot is the founder of Joywot Origin. With a background in consulting and nonprofit work, creativity has always been part of who she is from designing pieces for herself to eventually building a brand of her own. After moving to the U.S., she partnered with a longtime friend in Ethiopia to bring thoughtfully designed, high-quality leather goods to life. Joywot Origin is rooted in timeless design, craftsmanship, and a strong commitment to quality. You can find her on instagram @joywot_origin

For the busy professional, an accessory isn’t just an add-on it’s a tool. We’ve all been there: buying a bag that looks sharp on day one, only to see the edges peel or the shape fail six months later. 

The real luxury is certainty. You want fewer, better accessories that eliminate the guesswork of “quality” and work seamlessly across professional and personal settings. 

To find that one everyday bag that works for real life, the most important step is to understand the material.

Why Materials Matter More Than Style

In leadership, how you show up matters. A high-quality leather bag acts as a silent signal of standards and attention to detail. But beyond aesthetics, choosing the right material is about efficiency. A well-made leather piece provides durability that transcends seasonal trends, ensuring you aren’t constantly searching for a replacement. 

It offers a level of versatility where the right grade of leather transitions from a boardroom to a weekend getaway without looking out of place. Ultimately, choosing quality materials is about securing a reliable tool that maintains its value and performance over time, providing a professional look that lasts.

Where Leather Comes From

Leather is a natural byproduct of the meat industry, utilizing the hides of cows, sheep, or goats. However, the performance of your bag depends entirely on which part of the hide is used. The hide consists of: 

• Epidermis (outer layer, removed) 
• Dermis (the collagen-rich middle that becomes leather) 
• Subcutaneous tissue (discarded) 

How the Dermis is processed determines whether your bag will look better with age or end up in a landfill.

Selecting the Right Grade for High-Use Accessories

The grade of leather is the deciding factor for any high-use accessory. 

Full-Grain Leather is the professional standard for bags that need to withstand commutes, travel, and daily wear. It uses the very top layer of the hide, keeping the natural grain intact. Because it isn’t sanded or weakened, it remains the strongest and most breathable leather, developing a “patina” that grows richer over time. It doesn’t just last; it evolves with your career.

Top-Grain Leather is a refined alternative, where the top layer is lightly sanded to remove imperfections. It offers a smoother, more uniform look that stays consistent over time. While slightly less durable than full grain, it often features a protective finish that resists stains, ideal for those who want a pristine look for years.

Genuine Leather is often a lower-tier choice for professional gear. It is made from the remaining layers after the top sections are stripped away, making it weaker and prone to cracking.

Bonded Leather is made from shredded scraps held together by polyurethane. It lacks the structural integrity required for a daily-use bag and is prone to peeling.

Our Choice at Joywot Origin

At Joywot Origin, we create for the daily hustle and bustle by prioritizing functionality and durable materials over fleeting trends. We exclusively use full-grain leather to ensure our bags maintain their integrity through constant use, 

Each piece is part of a limited-edition, handmade run, crafted with the intention that your accessory should work as hard as you do. By focusing on intentional design and high-quality hides, we provide versatile tools that age gracefully alongside your career.

We’d love to know what is a must-have feature in your dream leather bag? 

Please comment below and let us know what you look for when purchasing a bag. Abby illustrates what your bag communicates before you speak, check out her blog post here.

Further questions or comments please feel free to email me at store@joywot.com or shoot me a message on IG @joywot_origin