Trying the French life

Yes, it's never too late to live a dream!

 Life is too short to wait for things to get more interesting. 

Almost two years now since Steven started talking about moving to France. 

Why France? 

We had a great time in the UK, 20 years of a roller coaster with a short intermezzo in Australia six years ago. France is a great alternative to Australia, for its vastness (well, compared to England), its climate (South of course) and I speak French, don't I?

We are grateful to our British supporters and friends, they made it possible for the Steven Harkin brand to exist, not only in the United Kingdom but also in the States and Australia.

London tradeshows, a concession in Bermondsey Street, our own shop in Folkestone, Cockpit Arts in Deptford: all places where we met wonderful people and had amazing experiences. They all helped us make a living and grow as a brand and as human beings.  

Then came a pandemic. Time to think. And the big 7 looming round the corner!

Time to retire? uhm, not really ready yet! 

Time for a change. Making is essential for Steven, no question about that. The forced Covid break allowed him to miss leather but also find new inspiration for another craft which he had tried in his early thirties: furniture.

He needed a workshop but could not find one in England, not an affordable one anyway.

So we took a shot at France and here we are, me as a remote translator for Eurotunnel - going back and forward to Folkestone, becoming a railway expert -while Steven has started making amazing furniture: take a look.

He still has his sewing machine and enough energy and passion to keep making the Pepe backpack, the Kylie clutch or the Heather bucket bag. Just for you. Smaller quantities, one or two a month. Made with the same Italian leather he has used for the past decade. 

The Pepe backpack remains our best seller, followed by the Heather bucket bag and the iconic Barbara and Mew handbags.

But now they are made in France. It took a whole year for Steven to finally receive his "carte de séjour" as an EU-citizen spouse. Let's see what happens now...