Ivan is the founder and owner of AK Leather Co. He discovered his passion for leatherwork over a decade ago while living in South Africa, and brought his craft back to his hometown of Homer, Alaska. In 2020, he officially launched AK Leather Co. and then in 2021, turning it into the beloved Spit Store you see today. Every piece made here is rooted in his dedication to quality, function, and timeless designs.

Emily is the store manager and media manager here at AK Leather Co., where she also lends a hand in production. A loyal customer since the shop first opened, she officially joined the team in March of 2025. When she’s not running the shop or behind the camera creating content, she’s getting her foot in the door of Alaska’s environmental science field - pursuing her passion for conservation and the wild places she calls home.

Born and raised in Homer, Maya is a local though and through. At just 16, she splits her time between high school, working in the Spit Store, helping with production, and even contributing to new designs - thanks to her incredible artistic talent. When she’s not in the shop, you’ll probably see her long boarding down the Spit or dominating the volleyball court. She’s an essential part of our summer crew and brings creativity, energy, and hometown pride to everything she does.

Alysha is the newest addition to our Spit Store crew! A born-and-raised Homer local, she joined the team in May of 2025 after being recruited by her friend (and teammate) Maya. When she’s not helping customers in the shop, you can catch her on the volleyball court or enjoying her Redbull special and enjoying all Homer has to offer. We’re stoked to have her on the team!

Nevaeh has been a core part of AK Leather Co. since 2022, wearing many hats over the years - from store manager to product designer to full-on production master. So much of what we’ve built wouldn’t have been possible without her steady hands and creative mind. Though she’s spending her summers on the water working in charter fishing, she’ll be back here and there to help out with production before heading off to college in Utah. We’re crossing our fingers she return next year - once Ak Leather Co., always AK Leather Co.