Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Bishop.
Hi Carmen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Coruscate Leather was born during one of the lowest points in my life. I had struggled with addiction for decades after falling in with the wrong crowd as a teenager, and once again, I found myself in a rehabilitation center—fighting to rebuild my life.
This time was different.
One day, a church group brought sewing machines for us to use. I sat down and stitched my very first bag, and in that moment, I felt something awaken inside me—a spark of passion I thought I had lost forever.
From that day forward, I knew I wanted to make bags. Leather bags like the ones I used to admire and collect with my grandmother when I was a child. Those memories, paired with the healing power of creating, gave me a new sense of direction.
With the encouragement of my husband, Jason, I turned my childhood cottage into a workshop. I was terrified to cut into that first half-hide of leather, but I did it anyway. My first bag sold right away, and that small success lit a fire in me.
Today, Coruscate has grown into more than I ever imagined. For the past four years, I’ve been creating and selling leather handbags and hand-carved accessories that carry both beauty and story. Each piece I make is a reminder of resilience, transformation, and the light that comes from within. And this year, I celebrate not only the growth of my business—but also nine years of sobriety.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of building Coruscate Leather & Co. has been an absolute joy. I wake each day filled with immense gratitude for this beautiful second chance I’ve created for myself.
The very act of carving and creating wearable art allows me to shine my light into the world—and, in turn, inspire others to do the same.
“Coruscate” means to sparkle, to reflect light brilliantly, and I couldn’t feel more blessed to live out that meaning every single day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create handcrafted, hand-carved leather handbags and accessories, each piece designed to be both functional and artful. I often incorporate precious stones, unique leathers, and woven fabrics, blending textures and materials to create one-of-a-kind designs.
One of the things I’m most proud of are my hand-carved leather hair accessories, especially the butterfly barrettes. Each butterfly is carved and painted by hand, and they carry a sense of whimsy and transformation that resonates deeply with me and my customers.
What sets my work apart is the soul in each piece—every bag, barrette, or accessory tells a story of resilience, creativity, and light. Coruscate isn’t just about leather goods; it’s about creating art people can wear and connect with.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I was blessed to find my mentor two years ago in the most unexpected way. I was vending at an event, selling my leather goods, when a 92-year-old woman stopped to watch me work. She commented on how long it had been since she’d seen anyone carving leather. Something inside me told me to ask if she was a leathersmith herself, and she smiled beautifully and said yes. That’s how I met Mrs. Peggy—my leather teacher and now dear mentor—who has taught me so much and inspired me in countless ways.
They say, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” That moment was living proof of it for me.
My advice for finding a mentor is to trust your gut and stay open. The right connections often appear when you least expect them. And never be afraid to reach out for help if you feel led to—mentorship is built on courage, curiosity, and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://share.google/Va42hVcqP1cdBTrc2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coruscateleatherandco?igsh=NnJ4ZHM0eWVkdGky
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ENk4sN917/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coruscateleatherandco?_t=ZP-8t263qU6yoY&_r=1
Image Credits
Sharon Hungerford
