he questions came from you — and now it’s time to dive in. In this special listener-submitted Q&A, I sat down with Shane Bowman (aka Bow the Maker) to answer the things you’ve been dying to know about leathercraft, gear, and growing a small maker brand.

From how Shane got into laser engraving (and why it cost him thousands) to the tools he’d buy again (and the ones he wouldn’t), this episode covers the business, the craft, and the chaos that comes with turning a passion into a profession.

We also talk about:

What makes good pattern design (and why most of them suck)

Clicker dies and the Temu trap

Choosing gear that fits your craft — not just the hype

Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your shop, this one’s packed with real advice, hard-earned lessons, and enough banter to keep your glue from drying out.

🎧 This is Part 1 — we got so many great questions, we had to split it in two.

🛠️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman (@bowthemaker)

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