There’s something uniquely comforting about curling up at home with a good book wrapped in blankets, wearing your comfy clothes, and maybe with your dog or cat snoozing peacefully on your lap. But every now and then, a change of scenery calls. Sometimes, you want to escape into the pages of your book while still being part of the world around you—you want to be quietly tucked away yet seen by like-minded book fanatics.
In these moments, a cozy café can become the perfect retreat, and finding the right balance between comfort and style is key—you want to be comfortable while looking effortlessly chic. Elevating your look is just as much about your accessories as it is about your clothing. For example, a classic leather bag is a simple yet stylish upgrade from a traditional tote or backpack and can showcase your refined taste and sense of sophistication as a reader.
Kay Lewicke, a leather designer and founder of Persistence Goods, brings simple elegance to life through her handcrafted bags, clutches, and belts. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and expertly sewn by hand in her Fairport studio. Her pieces have become cherished by collectors across the U.S., while book enthusiasts adore their perfect size for carrying all the essentials needed for an intimate reading session at their favorite café.
I sat down with Lewicke at Winter Swan Coffee in Rochester to hear more about Persistence Goods and what makes her brand unique.
What inspires your design philosophy and approach to creating your bags?
I want everything that I make to be beautiful, well made, and practical. It can be hard to check all those boxes, but it’s important to me that people receive something that they can use but also feel good about. My pieces are meant to be worn, used, and loved.
Where do you source your materials?
When I first started sewing in college, I didn’t have many resources, so I would visit thrift stores, buy old clothes, and repurpose them into fabric for my projects. After repurposing a suede skirt, I knew I wanted to work more with leather. All the leather I use is sourced from American tanneries and is a byproduct of the beef industry, meaning it would otherwise go to waste. It’s important to me to know the origin of my leather, ensuring it’s vegetable-tanned and nontoxic.
How do you go about designing and creating a new bag from start to finish?
I usually start with a clear idea of what I want to make—whether it’s a tote, a shoulder bag, or right now, I’m creating new patterns for a crossbody sling belt bag. Once I have the shape in mind, I’ll sketch a few ideas and then create a paper pattern, taping it together to see how it fits and adjust the proportions. Next, I’ll use lower-grade leather or scrap pieces from hides that have blemishes for prototypes. It’s a process of constant iteration— some of my bags go through dozens of revisions before I get them just right.
Is there a particular product in your collection that you feel best embodies the spirit of Persistence Goods?
The large honeycomb bag. It’s a unique, instantly recognizable shape. The design is inspired by the honeycomb, which is such a common and natural shape found in nature. It just felt like the right fit.
You participate in many of Rochester’s arts and crafts shows. How does being surrounded by local artisans influence your work?
Rochester has such a vibrant arts community, and the creativity here is truly inspiring. Just walking around and seeing the incredible work of other artisans sparks new ideas for me and fuels my own creativity.
What’s next for Persistence Goods?
I’ve been experimenting with plant-based leathers, which aren’t technically leather— they’re a vegan alternative made from bio-based materials. I haven’t settled on one yet, but there are options like applebased leather, cactus, and even mushroom leather. I’m excited to explore these materials and hope to introduce them soon. To find out more about Persistence Goods, visit PersistenceGoods.com.
Accessories by Just Terrific.
Laura DiCaprio, Writer
favorite book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Greg Hollar, Photographer
favorite series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Kay Lewicke, Persistence Goods
favorite book The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Rachel Gootnick, Just Terrific
favorite book The Adventures of Pinocchio by C. Collodi
Quinn Gagnier, model
favorite book Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Quynh Bui, Winter Swan
favorite book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills
Bree Masco, Makeup
favorite book Shrill by Lindy West
Katie Quigley, Hair
favorite book Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of (585).
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