Thirteen years ago, Scott Irvine was doing a lucrative business selling his handmade leather belts and wristlets from a freezing booth out on the Beaches. That winter he found a warmer commercial space on Church Street. His hometown homeboys muttered, “Man, that’s brave! (for a straight guy)” Hence the name of his leather accessories company, Brave Beltworks.
On a tip, Irvine cold-called the Canadian Olympic Association, offering to design and hand-craft the official belt for the ’95 PanAm Games. An 800 unit order. This one man, plus one friend, delivered in just under two weeks. The next year he provided belts for the Canadian Olympic team in Atlanta.
No longer a two-man show, Brave has grown into a factory with a devoted staff. Every belt is still handmade, guaranteeing each piece is unique. “While we’ve gotten bigger, we’ve maintained a creative, artisan approach. ” says Irvine.
Proof of his attention to quality is Irvine’s membership in Vera Pelle Italiana. He shares the tag with only a few ecologically sound leather companies worldwide.
