Husband and wife team Kyle and Ashlee Cowan created Houston Armstrong and now work together to produce unique leather products, which are perfect gifts for family and friends who seem to have everything. While Ashlee focuses on the business side of Houston Armstrong, Kyle spends time in the workshop creating the products. He finds that leatherwork allows him to have a similar creative outlet as during his previous career as a chef.
“The artistic side of me enjoys being able to take something raw and turn it into a beautiful piece at the end of the day,” he explains. “It has that same allure that I had when I was attracted to becoming a chef of taking raw ingredients, having a vision, and seeing the end product come to life.”
Over the last year and a half, Kyle has expanded the product line from one item to over forty items with no sign of slowing down. “I enjoy learning and creating new things,” he says. “I'm always looking at new ways to do things or new products that I can put together. I like having a wide variety of items for people to choose from.”
In Houston Armstrong’s recently opened workshop and gallery, customers have access to browse 1500 square feet of leather products and supplies. “We have a nice area for consultation and pickup of products,” Kyle shares. “Customers can also make an appointment for a personal shopping experience. They come by, browse things that we currently have in stock, and see they quality of products we’re producing as well as the variety of leather we have on hand.”
Items in the Houston Armstrong collection include holsters, wallets, belts, wine totes, rifle sleeves, and so much more. Items can be customized by laser engraving and branding the leather, and depending on the size of the item, Kyle can complete a project from start to finish in one to three days. Also available are corporate gifts and items such as custom logo mouse pads, journals, notepads, keychains, and soon-to-come leather patch hats.
Although most products are geared towards men, Kyle does have a partner he coordinates with, Urban Southern, to make more feminine items like purses and handbags. “I try to mostly focus on things for men because other than clothing, I don't think there is enough out there for women to buy for the men in their life,” explains Kyle. “I’m also an avid sportsman, so I enjoy making anything that is outdoors related because that's another passion of mine.”
Kyle embraces old-world craftsmanship, handcrafting each piece with premium, durable leather that is primarily American sourced and tanned from small tanneries. “We create great, long-lasting products with a lifetime guarantee,” he says. “I use high quality leather so there are not a lot of extra liners, covers, or sealers on the leather. I also try not to put pieces in my leatherwork that will fall apart over time. For instance, my leather belts are a 14-ounce harness leather which is one solid piece, so it creates a belt that will last a lifetime.”
One of Kyle’s favorite things he creates are gun holsters. “I’ve developed some holsters that I feel are very unique. I use a wet-molded process, so I customize each holster to each gun,” he explains. “A lot of guys carry a specific type of holster because it fits tighter. With the wet mold process, I can create a holster that is just as secure, if not more secure, but is easier on the handgun.”
With everyone’s focus turning to Christmas, Kyle has a few suggestions of unique items that would make great gifts. “We have a wide variety of men's bracelets from giraffe to elephant to buffalo,” he shares. “I've also got some great wallets, cigar cases, and leather journals. Leather valets for the bedside or desk and luggage tags also make for unique gifts.”
For more detailed information on products and to explore unique, custom gifts, visit www.houston-armstrong.com or call/text Kyle at 512-810-1506. Also follow Houston Armstrong on Facebook and Instagram.