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Claire Weldon
Owner, Leather UnLimited
Claire Weldon is the Managing Director (MD) and owner of Leather Unlimited, a company that specializes in creating handcrafted leather goods.23 Since the mid-1980s, she has been working with artisans in Bangladesh to produce leather products using traditional local craft skills.1
Career and Company Background
Claire Weldon's involvement in the leather industry dates back to 1986 when she co-founded Ambika Ltd in London, inspired by the United Nations Decade for Women (1975-85).4 This initiative eventually evolved into Leather Unlimited, which focuses on sustainable and ethical production of leather goods.3
Business Philosophy and Practices
Under Claire's leadership, Leather Unlimited has maintained a strong commitment to:
- Sustainability: The company emphasizes the use of vegetable-tanned leather, which is individually colored and polished to create a beautiful finish.1
- Ethical Production: Working closely with dedicated artisans in Bangladesh, ensuring fair practices and supporting local communities.3
- Craftsmanship: All products are handmade, preserving traditional craft skills and techniques.1
The Jeweller's Box Company
In addition to Leather Unlimited, Claire Weldon is also associated with The Jeweller's Box Company. This branch of the business specializes in creating packaging solutions for jewelers, offering both ready-made and bespoke options with full personalization.15
Notable Projects
One of Claire's recent high-profile projects involved creating a special box for footballer Lionel Messi, commissioned by Adidas to commemorate his eight Ballon d'Or awards.1
Future Plans
Claire Weldon is currently working on expanding the company's reach by setting up a retail website to offer a wider range of Bengali handcrafts directly to the public.1
Throughout her career, Claire has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting artisans in developing countries, particularly women, by providing them with opportunities to earn a living through their craft skills.1