Our Journey
El Sole has been a trusted name in leather since 1980. Starting in George, we turned our passion for leather into a successful business, producing high-quality handbags, wallets, sandals, and belts. Our products quickly became known for their durability and style, helping us build a strong presence in the South African leather market.
During the '80s and early '90s, we flourished by supplying both retail customers and wholesalers. But the late '90s challenged us with a surge of cheap imports. To adapt, we expanded into leather repair, gaining a reputation for excellent restoration work and breathing new life into leather items.
Helen Kotze (Henry), one of our founders, has been instrumental in shaping El Sole. Even after selling the business in 2017, she continued to influence it by training our team in the fine art of leather repair.
Today, El Sole is more than just a leather shop; it's a place where traditional craftsmanship meets ongoing dedication to quality. Our experience over the years has not only preserved our heritage but also driven us to excel in leather repair and manufacturing, serving both local and distant customers with pride.
During the '80s and early '90s, we flourished by supplying both retail customers and wholesalers. But the late '90s challenged us with a surge of cheap imports. To adapt, we expanded into leather repair, gaining a reputation for excellent restoration work and breathing new life into leather items.
Helen Kotze (Henry), one of our founders, has been instrumental in shaping El Sole. Even after selling the business in 2017, she continued to influence it by training our team in the fine art of leather repair.
Today, El Sole is more than just a leather shop; it's a place where traditional craftsmanship meets ongoing dedication to quality. Our experience over the years has not only preserved our heritage but also driven us to excel in leather repair and manufacturing, serving both local and distant customers with pride.
The dawn of 2020 marked a new chapter in our story, with El Sole branching into two distinct entities:
El Sole Repairs & Alterations
Dedicated to the meticulous care of all leather goods, offering a spectrum of services from repairs and alterations to a curated selection of leather products, tools, and crafting components.
El Sole Crafted Leather
A return to our roots, marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create leather goods that are not only beautiful but imbued with the essence of quality that has been our hallmark for over four decades.
Today, after 44 years of passionate commitment to our craft, El Sole stands as a testament to the enduring allure of quality leather goods. Serving customers both near and far, we continue to evolve, innovate, and excel. What can El Sole do for you? Join us in this continuing journey, where tradition meets innovation, and excellence is woven into every stitch.
Since our inception in 1980, El Sole has been at the forefront of leather excellence. Our journey began in the vibrant 1980s, nestled in the heart of George, where our passion for leather transformed into a thriving enterprise.