Crafting Stories in Leather: The Journey of BUSK
In the vibrant city of Hithadhoo, Addu City, resides Ahmed Abdulla, a 38-year-old financial sector worker with a passion for creativity. Ahmed's journey into leathercraft began during the COVID-19 lockdown, where he discovered the captivating world of leathercraft through online platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Encouraged by positive feedback from friends and family to whom he had gifted his first leather-made goods, Ahmed decided to turn his new hobby into a business venture, leading to the birth of BUSK.
Established in 2021, BUSK is more than just a leather-craft shop; it's a testament to Ahmed's unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
"We offer a wide range of products from bags, wallets, cardholders, watch straps & keychains, all handmade with high attention to detail," Ahmed shares.
Describing the creative process at BUSK, Ahmed highlights the meticulous journey rooted in quality and craftsmanship. "Every design begins with careful sketching and conceptualization," he says, emphasizing the use of top-notch European full-grain veg-tan leather sourced from certified Italian tanneries.
"The creation of each BUSK product is a meticulous and time-intensive process," Ahmed explains, adding that the time-frame depends on the complexity of the design. "It takes several hours, days, or sometimes weeks to complete a single product."
While Ahmed hasn't had a formal mentor, he draws inspiration from the vibrant community of leather craftsmen online. "The work of various skilled artisans has been instrumental in shaping my craft," he explains.
BUSK takes pride in its roots, with every product proudly crafted in Addu, Maldives. "Our workspace is equipped with a growing array of specialized tools," Ahmed adds, highlighting the dedication to using professional leather crafting tools.
"Our devotion to craftsmanship is epitomized by the magic of veg-tan leather," Ahmed says, explaining the preference for this material. "Crafted using natural extracts from plants, veg-tan leather symbolizes a commitment to authenticity and nature's artistry."
One memorable experience in Ahmed's journey occurred when he realized the importance of using high-quality leather. "Learning is a continuous process," Ahmed reflects, recalling challenges he faced during the early days of Busk. “ During the early stages of BUSK, we didn't use high-quality leather, as I believed it was the best option at the time. However, a few customers experienced issues with the products, prompting me to delve deep into understanding every type of leather available.”
Ahmed goes on to assert. "Our decision to exclusively use top-notch European full-grain veg-tan leather defines the durability, authenticity, and sophistication of our creations."
"The journey of BUSK has been marked by numerous challenges," Ahmed admits, highlighting the hurdles in material sourcing and quality improvement. "But the overwhelming support from the community has been instrumental."
"Building the existing customer base for BUSK has been a journey rooted in quality, transparency, and community support," Ahmed shares, emphasizing the importance of word-of-mouth and social media in reaching customers.
Since its launch, BUSK has achieved several notable highlights. "One significant accomplishment is the establishment of BUSK as the first leathercraft brand of its style in the Maldives," Ahmed proudly states.
"Among the myriad creations at BUSK, several pieces hold an exceptional place," Ahmed says, mentioning bespoke items crafted for prominent individuals like former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former First Lady Fazna Ahmed.
"The favorites among our customer base at BUSK are undeniably the wallets and cardholders," Ahmed reveals, highlighting the popularity of their products.
"For aspiring leatherworkers, my advice is rooted in the challenges and joys of my own journey with BUSK," Ahmed shares. "Focus on doing something you genuinely love and enjoy."
"While BUSK has primarily operated independently, we have embarked on exciting collaborations with a few local resorts," Ahmed mentions, hinting at future collaborations to expand their reach.
"Looking ahead, BUSK's plans for the future are driven by a commitment to staying true to our core values and purpose," Ahmed concludes, highlighting the brand's dedication to quality and innovation.
In an era where tradition meets innovation, BUSK stands as a beacon of craftsmanship, crafting stories in leather that resonate with the soul and endure the test of time.