We sat down with Mallory Jensen, brand manager at Northwind, to learn more about the company’s origins, commitment to sustainability, and how they’ve built a reputation for craftsmanship and thoughtful gifting. From her unique path to joining the brand to her take on what makes Northwind special, Mallory shares insights into the heart behind the products.
Q: You joined Northwind fairly recently. How did that come about?
Mallory: I started in May of this year, though I’ve known the founder since college. At the time, I was going through a big career shift, and when we spoke, he invited me to come on board. Northwind was in the middle of a major relaunch with new colors, new products, a refreshed website, and an enhanced social presence. I started out as project manager and gradually moved into the brand manager role, which I love. I now focus on everything from content and imagery to e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Etsy.
Q: How would you describe Northwind’s approach to craftsmanship?
Mallory: First, we source full-grain leather from Minneapolis tanneries. Everything we do is handcrafted in our facility, whether it’s one item or a thousand. We don’t cut corners. Our goal is to offer beautiful, durable products that hold meaning and last for years. That starts with high-quality materials and continues through to how we make each piece.
Q: Do you ever hear concerns about using leather?
Mallory: Definitely. I’m vegetarian myself and was vegan for years. So when I joined, I had to personally reconcile that. What I found is that leather is a byproduct of the beef and dairy industries. Cattle aren’t raised for leather; we’re using something that already exists and giving it new life. That felt meaningful to me. It aligned with our mission of sustainability and reducing waste.
Q: What kinds of personalization do you offer?
Mallory: It starts with color and hardware. We have six leather colors and three hardware finishes (gold, antique, and chrome). Then customers can add personalization: up to three characters, symbols like a heart, and even numbers. We also offer foil stamping, which adds a bit of shine and has been especially popular with women. For businesses or special events, customers can submit a design or logo, and we’ll create a custom stamp for a small one-time fee.
Q: What are some of your most popular gifting items?
Mallory: For corporate gifting, our mousepads, desk jotters, and coasters are very popular. For personal gifts — weddings, anniversaries — the leather and canvas dopp kits are great. They’re gender-neutral, travel-ready, and really stylish. Our leather jewelry organizer is also a favorite, especially for milestone gifts.
Q: Travel accessories have become a big trend. Why do people love your passport cover?
Mallory: It’s more than just a cover. It has space for cards and adds a little bulk, so it’s easier to find in your bag. Plus, leather ages beautifully. Your passport cover becomes a travel companion that tells its own story over time. We also offer luggage tags, travel pouches for cords, and our bestselling loop keychain, all of which make great gifts.
Q: Do men and women shop differently when it comes to personalization?
Mallory: Yes, just a little. Everyone wants quality and function, but women tend to choose the foil stamping more often. It adds a little sparkle. Men usually prefer a rugged or neutral finish. That’s something we keep in mind when writing gift guides or helping customers choose.
Q: Can businesses request custom designs beyond personalization?
Mallory: Absolutely. We’ll review specs, assess feasibility, and walk the customer through the prototyping process. It’s ideal to do this during our off-season, since the holidays are incredibly busy for our team. But we always welcome those conversations. Customization is part of our DNA.
Q: What’s been selling well this holiday season?
Mallory: Our loop keychain is a consistent bestseller. It’s affordable, customizable, and works for just about anyone. We’ve also seen a huge jump in our golf accessories this year, things like golf logs and club covers. That’s been really exciting to watch.
Q: What’s coming up for Northwind in 2026?
Mallory: We’re expanding our canvas line. We already have a pouch and a market tote, and we’re launching a canvas toiletry dopp kit soon. We also recently introduced seasonal bag charms. They’re small leather pieces you can clip onto your bag and swap out as the seasons change. It’s a fun, stylish way to bring a little personality to your accessories
What if your accessories could tell your story?
At Northwind Supply, we create pieces that reflect who you are and what matters most. Each item is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate individuality. Let us help you add a personal touch to the items you carry every day.
