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Meet the Maker

Meet the Maker: Rayna Jasper

Hi all! Thank you so much for being here and taking the time to learn about Bar Cross Leather.

My name is Rayna Jasper, and I am the owner and sole maker behind Bar Cross Leather. I’m currently in my fourth year at Benedictine College, set to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degreein marketing and entrepreneurship. I am from Garnett, Kansas, and I plan to return home after graduation.

My leatherworking journey began in high school when I ambitiously decided to build saddles without any prior experience. My grandma, recognizing the challenge, suggested I start with smaller projects like belts and wallets. She gave me an old Tandy Leather kit she had, and from there, my passion for leatherwork took off.

Despite my initial struggles, I quickly developed a deep love for the craft. I took a break during my freshman year of college, thinking I couldn’t balance school and operating a business, however, I resumed leatherworking in my sophomore year and the business has only grown. I’ve been working out of my dorm room the past few years, but after graduation, I plan to pursue leatherworking full-time and upgrade to a larger workspace.

The name “Bar Cross Leather” honors my grandparents. My grandpa’s cattle brand is the bar cross (- +) and his operation is called Bar Cross Ranch. It felt fitting to name my business after them, as my grandma introduced me to leatherwork, and my grandpa instilled in me a passion for horses, cattle, and cowboying. He plans to pass his brand down to me for my own cattle, hence the name “Bar Cross Leather.”

Outside of leatherworking, I’m involved in the Kansas National Guard and ROTC at school. I will commission and become an officer in the Army within the next year. I also have several horses and a small cow-calf operation that I aim to expand. My goal is to bring the essence of western heritage through leather to everyone who appreciates its unique and desirable qualities.

Thanks so much for your time, and if Bar Cross Leather is right for you, I look forward to hearing from you!