What begins as a hobby can sometimes become something much bigger.

In this episode of Hands On…with Moonstone, I sit down with Austin Santana aka The Belt Daddy, to talk about handcrafted leather belts, blue-collar life, fatherhood, and what it means to carry on a legacy.

Austin shares how he went from making belts as a creative hobby to reaching a community that values quality, heritage, and creating things by hand. We also discuss the influence of growing up in a family of blue-collar workers and how becoming a father has shaped the legacy he hopes to leave for his son, Jude.

This conversation is about much more than leather-working. It's about identity, family, hard work, and why making something with your hands still matters.

In this episode:

• Austin's journey into leatherworking
• Creating The Belt Daddy

• Blue-collar work and generational craftsmanship

• Fatherhood and family legacy

• The importance of making things by hand

Connect with Austin: @thebeltdaddy

About Hands On...with Moonstone

A podcast from Moonstone Media & Design highlighting artisans, makers, and creative entrepreneurs keeping craft, creativity, and heritage alive. Through candid conversations, we explore the creative process, business building, and the human stories behind the work.

Connect with us

Instagram: ⁠@jessicafreund⁠ | ⁠@hands.on.podcast⁠

Website: ⁠moonstonemediadesign.com⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]

In our second episode of Hands On…with Moonstone, we sit down with Zip Stevenson, a prominent figure in the vintage denim world and the founder of Denim Doctors in Los Angeles. Known for his deep knowledge of vintage denim and expert repairs, Zip has spent decades preserving the craftsmanship and history behind some of the most iconic garments in fashion.

We talk about his journey into the world of vintage, the art of denim repair, and how he built Denim Doctors into the go-to destination for collectors, enthusiasts, and everyday people looking to give their favorite pieces new life. Zip also shares the story behind Hollywood Trading Company, the brand he founded that repurposes vintage leather into handcrafted studded belts that rose to prominence in the late ’90s—appearing on the covers of Vanity Fair and worn by stars like Brad Pitt and David Beckham.

Whether you're a maker, a creative entrepreneur, or simply curious about the people behind your favorite businesses, this podcast takes you behind the scenes to get to know the artist and their story.

Connect with Zip & Denim Doctors

Instagram: @denimdoctors

Shop Address: 1425 Beverly Blvd, Suite 1495, Los Angeles, CA 90026

About Hands On...with Moonstone

A podcast from Moonstone Media & Design highlighting artisans, makers, and creative entrepreneurs keeping craft, creativity, and heritage alive. Through candid conversations, we explore the creative process, business building, and the human stories behind the work.

Connect with us

Instagram: @jessicafreund | @hands.on.podcast

Website: moonstonemediadesign.com

Email: [email protected]

In the first episode of Hands On…with Moonstone, we sit down with Susan Lee, founder of Wilder Los Angeles—a vintage retail store once known as “The Secret Shop.” Susan shares her journey growing up in Los Angeles as a first-generation Korean American and how her upbringing shaped her path into fashion, denim, and entrepreneurship.

We dive into building Wilder from the ground up, the realities of running a small retail business, and creating a space rooted in community, storytelling, and intention. Susan also reflects on her father’s legacy in helping establish Koreatown—once referred to as Korean Village—and how history, identity, and place continue to influence her work today.

Whether you’re a maker, a creative entrepreneur, or simply curious about the people behind your favorite small businesses, this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and honesty.

Connect with Susan & Wilder Los Angeles

Instagram: @wilder_losangeles

Shop Address: 2151 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

About Hands On…with Moonstone

A podcast from Moonstone Media & Design, highlighting artisans, makers, and creative entrepreneurs keeping craft, creativity, and heritage alive. Through candid conversations, we explore the creative process, business building, and the human stories behind the work.

Connect with us

Instagram: @jessicafreund | @hands.on.podcast

Website: moonstonemediadesign.com

Email: [email protected]