The Man in Black story

I grew up in a blue-collar household. Early on- I learned that things in this world aren’t given… they’re earned. With hard work, dedication, and picking yourself up when you fall down- the world is your oyster. I wasn’t born into wealth, or any special talents, BUT I was born with a dream. A dream to be somebody.

I lived on a Poultry ranch and showing livestock as a kid. We had 100’s of birds at any given time- Chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, quail, and even some parakeets. We also had a handful other barnyard animals like cows, pigs, sheep, and a trusty horse.

My early years showing livestock taught me the importance of standing out in a crowd. I didn’t have top pedigree livestock to pick from… But I did have- hard work, competitive spirit, creativity, and a little showmanship. I took my formula and get-it-done attitude to go out and become one of the most decorated youth livestock showmen in California history.

When I was a child my mother was a painter- and always made sure we had art supplies in the house. She would go on to encourage me to enter art in our local fairs. (Turns out winning $20 bucks for a painting is a good motivator for an 8 year old.) My mom is what inspires my love of art, nature, and the softer side of life.

My father on the other hand- was a rough around the edges, Iron Working, Muscle car guy. He would spend a lot of his time in his garage building things. I remember walking in his garage full of bad ass art, and music blasting thinking- “this is the coolest thing ever.” My dad’s loud music, art, and that in-your-face attitude have heavily influence my signature art style.

My older Brother Jason was my biggest inspiration and role model growing up. During my high school and college years I worked in his Saddle shop. I watched how to run a business, and interact with customers. The biggest thing he taught me was how to hustle, and how to go out and make a name for myself. I spent years in his shop learning how to make heavy duty ranch goods that were built to last. This education on durable ranch quality leather goods is the foundation of every project I make to this day.

During my teenage years I lost my way and started on the fast track of self-destruction. I found myself wrapped up in Skateboarding, the local punk scene, and getting on drugs pretty early. My only “real” job up to this point was being a debt collector. I spent years partying with people 10-20 years older than me and getting wrapped up in the street life.

After years of living hard and fast, squandering my life away- I found myself at a fork in the road… continue down the path I’m on and end up dead before I hit 30. or… if I could find the strength to be just 1% better of a person today than I was yesterday, I could turn my life around and be the man I knew I could be.

So, with my mind made up- I decided to embark on my journey… I took EVERY piece of my life that I thought was good, and every skill I picked up along the way and decided to turn my life around.

I took my knowledge of leather work I learned from my brother- the appreciation of nature I got from my mom- the attitude I got from my dad- the art skills I picked up over the years- the video editing skills I picked up from my years skateboarding- and I decided to dedicate my life to becoming one of the best leather crafters in the planet.

Every day I focused on being 1% better as a human being, and getting 1% better at my craft. Through my 8-year journey, I have completely turned my life around. I have a loving wife who is better than I dreamed for- who has helped build our family full of love, laughter, and creativity. I have a beautiful little baby girl who gives me purpose every day. We live a home that’s nicer than my wildest dreams. My skills are better than I ever imagined, and my business is more successful than I could have ever hoped for.

I wake up every day feeling blessed to do something that is so authentically who I am at the core. What I do every day isn’t just my doing… its a culmination of all my experiences, every person that I love, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. But the thing I’m most grateful for is- I get to be myself and make art every day.

I make heirloom quality leather goods, in my signature style.

Bryan Sosack - The Man in Black