Somebody copies your product, steals your photos, and sells a $6.99 “version” with a “100% leather” claim. What do you do next? We talk through that reality with Leah Martinez, owner of Alamo Saddlery, and it turns into a bigger conversation about craftsmanship, community, and what authentic Western style actually costs to make.

Leah shares the real story behind Alamo Saddlery, from its roots as a high-end saddle maker to the brand fans now recognize for statement handbags at NFR and major Western events. We get specific about what most shoppers never see: producing around 2,000 saddles a year, making saddles under one roof, and why saddle fit matters more than any price tag. If you ride, compete, or just care about horse comfort, this part is a must.

From there we shift into Western fashion and the design mindset that made Alamo bags blow up on TikTok and Instagram. Leah explains how she starts with function, spots a need in the market, and builds something that feels elevated and practical, like her clear stadium bag created to meet clear bag policies without looking cheap. We also share where to find Alamo during NFR at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in the Cowboy Roper Marketplace (booth 603), plus how to shop vendor markets in a way that supports handmade makers and small businesses.

If you care about handmade leather goods, Western handbags, custom saddles, and keeping “Made in USA” more than a label, you’ll get a lot out of this one. Subscribe, share with a friend headed to NFR, and leave a review with your best tip for supporting makers.

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