Jakub Jarolím

Eggobag

Leatherworker

©Jakub Jarolím

©Eggobags

Reaching leather goals

Jakub is a self-taught leatherworker
He is a social and cultural anthropologist by education
He started his career as a craftsman in 2010

As a child, Jakub Jarolím attended a sports-oriented primary school focused on hockey. Unfortunately, he didn't have any gear since his mother couldn't afford to buy it. The caretaker of the stadium's storehouse gave the young boy his old goalkeeper's leather guards, gloves and vest. The aged equipment was damaged by time and mice, but Jakub was so keen to play alongside his classmates, that he repaired the whole kit, using the most defective material as patches for the holes. "Honestly, the wrong puck shot still hurt badly, but at least I could play," smiles the artisan. His boyhood practice paid off. Today, Jakub runs a successful brand called Eggobag, constructing leather bags and accessories.

Interview

©Jakub Jarolím

©Eggobags

What made you change your career path?: In Berlin, my then-girlfriend and I came across a fine leather handbag that she liked. It was too expensive, so I jokingly stated that I would make her a similar one myself. I did. It wasn't perfect, but all her friends wanted one too.
When did you realise you were successful?: I was very emotional when I first met a stranger wearing my product on the street. I was like: "Wow, it works, it's real!" It still pleases me, especially when the product is lovingly worn out, indicating that the person wears it all the time.
What are your major creative criteria?: Fine aesthetic quality, reliable functionality and high durability. But my primary criterion is the customers: I listen to their demands carefully, striving to meet them. The client must always receive the result of a job perfectly done, with no compromises.
What inspires you when making new products?: Primarily the customers. And also, the place where I work. The Žižkov district carries a craftstradition that I try to follow. Once, my neighbour gave me the material of her deceased father, a leatherworker who founded his workshop in the 1930s.

Jakub Jarolím is a master artisan: he began his career in 2011 and he started teaching in 2009