New venture: Mohd Ashraf making leather items after losing his source of income as a musician during the pandemic at Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: He was once a drummer who had amassed a collection of leather boots.
“I actually am very interested in leather boots, having built a personal collection that I wore as a drummer to look more cool,” said Mohd Ashraf Mohd Amin, 30.
But Covid-19 pandemic came along and he lost his source of income as a musician.
Mohd Ashraf, or better known by his stage name Acap Roseknight, was undeterred.
“I had to accept the situation where all performances were cancelled due to the movement control order to curb the spread of Covid-19.”
So he plucked up the courage to plunge into a new field in 2021, spurred by his growing interest in leather goods.
He began experimenting with his own old boots that were damaged to learn the sewing process.
“I produced a simple card holder using the leather from the boots within several days, based only on YouTube tutorials.
“I then learned more with friends and experts in this field to build my skills,” the former Temjin and Torquesix band member told Bernama.
Mohd Ashraf started selling his products online and was so determined that he set up a shop focused on wallets, belts, straps and belts, under the brand Phrygian Acraft at the Malaysia Grand Bazaar in a shopping mall here in December last year.
He said that his products were made of various leather, including cow, goat, buffalo and horse.
“The process to produce the leather goods involves measuring, cutting, punching and sewing, and each process is done by hand,” he added.
Mohd Ashraf’s products are based on his own creativity, based on the style and requests of his customers.
Every handmade leather product of his is sold between RM200 and RM2,000 depending on the type of product, material and size, and if it is a customised order.
He said his career switch has paid off as his customer base is growing.
“Leather products will always have fans as they make their wearer look more stylish.”
