Beth Dryden shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Beth, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m following a path that is becoming clearer over time. Leaning deeper into treating my work as art rather than products. It’s easy to get lost in the fast e-commerce world, so I’m trying to flip the script a bit. There’s still exploration in the process, but the direction is intentional… and it’s been quite freeing, actually.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Beth, the artist behind Sondera 1974. I work primarily in leather, not in the traditional leather-goods sense, but as my medium, the way a painter uses pigment. Every piece is designed and hand-built one at a time, carrying the marks of that slow, tactile process. I think of my work as functional art: objects people live with, use, and form a relationship with over time.
But Sondera 1974 isn’t just about leather; it’s about the weight of history in every fold, the patina of time, and the soul of handmade work. The name comes from sonder…the quiet awe of recognizing every person carries a vivid story, and blended 1974 as a tether to mine. Influenced by the textures of the Southwest and the indie spirit of handmade design, my pieces honor scars, embrace texture, and evolve with the person who carries them. These objects are collaborators; this is art you live with, and ultimately get to finish the story of by adding your unique patina over your lifetime.
Right now, I’m shifting the brand into a more artist-led, gallery-style experience. Slower…more intentional, rooted in storytelling. I also recently obtained my sommelier certification as another layer to the world I’m building. Wine, like leather, is sensory, patient, and rooted in craft, so it’s become a natural extension of the experiences I want to create. At its core, Sondera 1974 remains small, personal, and shaped entirely by my hands. Nothing mass-produced. Nothing rushed. Everything made with time and intention.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A part of me that served its purpose and now needs to be released is the hyper-independence I held onto after my divorce. For a long time, doing everything on my own felt like safety…and, also, maybe it was about proving myself and worth. But more recently, I’ve realized how much strength and inspiration come from community, collaboration, and especially being around people who understand the creative world I live in. It’s so important to be around people who let you be your true self. I’m learning to soften that old independent instinct and make more space for support, connection, and shared energy.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
More times than I can count. When you follow your passion, your true north… there will be setbacks, pivots, and moments where you feel like you’ve failed. It comes with the territory. But when something runs so deep that you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else, you keep going no matter how crazy you may start to feel. The joy, the small wins, the moments of real validation… they remind you that the path is already taking shape. Sometimes it may look different than you imagined and you have to veer left or right… or even a few steps backward to go forward again, but it will all start to make sense. And honestly, I trust that whatever is meant for me won’t pass me by. That faith is grounding and helps to keep me moving forward.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The ultimate goal for Sondera 1974 is to establish a physical retail space (brick-and-mortar). This space is envisioned as a non-traditional environment that prioritizes sensory experiences and is deeply rooted in community, authenticity, and the appreciation of fine leather and wine. It all currently lives in my head, but I’m hopeful that when the time, space, and place are right, it will come to fruition.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m at my workbench, making a bag or wallet for a specific purpose. I pray each piece blesses the recipient in creative form, functionality, and the beauty of tactility. I also only work by natural light, so having my studio with the sun streaming in, rain pouring down, or just noticing the changes of the seasons gives me peace, and it’s all infused into the work I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sondera1974.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sondera1974
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdryden/
Image Credits
Beth Dryden
