You’ve probably seen J. Stark’s handmade bags on shoulders and in shop windows around downtown Charleston. Our November speaker, Erik Holmberg, founded the company in 2014 and has recently expanded the line of leather goods and everyday carry products into a brick-and-mortar retail space and workshop on Coming Street. But beyond its day-to-day function, Erik and his partner Jess are using the shop as a place to build community, drive creative conversations, and support other local and American made brands. 

In our Q&A below, learn more about why Erik launched J. Stark, what inspires him, and where this Morning Person gets his coffee fix. 

What do you love most about what you do? 

Everything! Mostly the ability to wake up every day and make something with my hands and put it out into the world.

How did you get into your field of work? Did you always know you were going to be a maker?
I wanted desperately to leave the world of cubicles and sitting behind a computer screen all day. I started working with leather and sewing and I found it and it found me.

How do you start your day?
Alternating days between heading to Exemplar Fitness to work out and walking the dog around Avondale.

Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.
My proudest moments are when we’re able to create a new job that didn’t exist before and when my friends have successes in chasing their dreams.

Do you have a hidden talent? I’m a really good listener.

Who or what gives you creative inspiration?
I’m inspired by shoe design, colors, and vintage military gear.

What’s your go-to coffee order?
Black Tap coffee, black.

What is your favorite place in Charleston?
The J. Stark shop!

How do you unwind or destress? Walk on the beach with my dog and my lady. Listen to jazz.

Rapid fire:

• Morning person or night owl? Morning Person
  
• Summer or winter? Summer
  
• Mountains or beach? Tough Call – Beach
  
• Pancakes or waffles? Chocolate Pancakes
  
• Fiction or non-fiction? Non-Fiction (Biography)