Set deep in the woods of rural Bovey is a sweet secret, a talented artisan carrying on the century’s old specialty craft of Ancient Greece and Egypt - leather tooling. 

Mark Mulay, 27, has been living in the heart of northern Minnesota (his wife Hannah’s home state) for a couple of years now. 

The couple met as children raised in Dakar, Senegal, where their parents served as missionaries for the United World Mission. They left the western part of Africa in 2015. Hannah returned to Minnesota for international studies at St. Cloud State University. Mark returned to his home state of Colorado, where he joined the U.S. Army as an infantryman with the 4^th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson. Mark served in Afghanistan as a part of A CO 1-38, where he was attached to the 1st and 7th special forces, an E4 specialist combat soldier. 

While serving in Afghanistan, Mark became interested in blacksmithing. You Tube tutorials provided excellent instruction while serving abroad. Mark moved to leather crafting in 2019. 

The piecework, feel and movement of the leather was therapeutic. Learning each specific tool used to carve, shape, stitch and handcraft every new piece of leather was enriching. He had found his passion; leather tooling became his craft. 

Mark and Hannah tend to her parents’ house while his in-laws continue their global travels in ministry. The family home in the country serves as a peaceful retreat for Mark’s workshop in the lower level of the house. 

Upon arrival, two fuzzy young kittens poked their heads up from the pole barn, curious about a visitor. A smaller dog barked loudly as his companion mate, a ginormous mastiff, stood over top commanding a welcome. 

One of the couple’s young sons was engaged in his afternoon cartoon. This is a workplace where the best of worlds collides: family, love and livelihood. 

Mark led me to his shop where I was introduced to a wonderful scent storm of leather. The warm subtle smell of genuine leather cannot be equaled. Mark’s shop oozes with the aroma of warm musk, a slightly spicy powdery smell, the notes are sweet and distinct, the envy of every good candle company.

Large sewing machines sit to the right of a workstation full of hammers, tools, and carving knives – an American flag (signed by his brothers in arms) – adorns the back wall. Mark’s combat vest and a map of Senegal’s flag counter flank the side walls of the shop. Loose paper with intricate drawings lay at various desktops – pieces of meticulous art drawings in the works. 

On display sits the most majestic piece that takes pride of place. It is the custom saddle that Mark created for Hannah. It is stunning, intricately detailed, soft where it needs to be, and solid for wear. 

Mark is a disabled United States combat veteran. Through a veteran’s program he was able to attend a saddle building and fitting course at the Montana Horseman Saddle Building School. The school has taught the art of western saddle building to students from all around the globe. 

Mark described his training and education under expert saddle builder Dale Moore as transformational and rewarding. This area of expertise is one Mark really desires to explore now that he is in Minnesota. He hopes his small business Mulay and Company (mulayandco.com) may grow to become a household name for area equestrians and beyond. 

“Leather is very much a part of an equestrian life: saddles, harnesses, belts, boots, reins, bridles, breast collars – a tack room is a leather craftsman dream,” Mark said, “beauty and function that will serve for years.” 

Mulay and Company has been a sponsor to Raise the Bar Productions and Minnesota District 6 Barrel Racing. 

Mark has participated in the Itasca Night Maker’s Market, the Grand Rapids Area First Friday Art Walk, and sets up for the Timberlake Arts and Craft show each fall. Mark is available for a quick trunk show for anyone needing a last- minute vendor. 

His trunk carries a vast variety of mixed leather in color and texture. There are sandals, leather trays, wallets, coasters, traveling kits, tote bags, handbags, soft hobo-like and hard frame, over and under reins, and samples of custom made items.

Still new to the area, Mark’s jobs often come by word of mouth. Some of his favorite handcraft items are utility bags, purses, handgun holsters and belts. He recently completed a wedding groom’s party order of knife sheaths for meat cleavers, custom tooled with hand cut basketweave and floral patterns. Mark can also do leather patch ware clothing and hats with handcrafted carvings or laser. 

Mark is available to area musicians who are interested in custom order guitar straps. He recently completed two heirloom pieces for Effie, Minn, father and son musicians, Jason and Blake Waldron, of The Jason Waldron Band. The men chose to have their last name custom carved on the straps with an arrangement of music notes and floral carvings. The outlaw country band has a trademark identity, Jason in a dark cowboy hat, while young son Blake sports white. Mark creatively topped a treble clef note with a hat, one in each color, an individualized nod to each musician. The straps can carry a message or a personal inscription on the back. 

Mark said he is surrounded by his passion: his family, his trade and the quiet surroundings of nature. 
“I couldn’t be happier, I am blessed,” he smiled, “the more I can share this treasured trade with others, the beauty and history of this art form continues.” 

You can reach Mark by pm on his company Facebook page at Mulay & Co. Leather Goods at facebook.com/mulayandco.