Hi, I'm Lindsay, founder of Resilient Hide Company. Resilient Hide Co. is a one woman (mom) operated business. I run this small business out of my humble riverside home in Thompson Falls, Montana, where I create handcrafted leather goods that honor the enduring spirit of this beautiful state. 

I've always been drawn to working with my hands, to creating something real, something tangible that you can hold and use and watch evolve over time. Growing up in Montana, I learned early that the best things are built to last. I spent my childhood hunting, fishing, and camping under big skies, surrounded by the rugged beauty of endless mountains, wild rivers, and resilient landscapes. Those experiences taught me to appreciate craftsmanship and quality, to respect the land, and to value the gear that gets you through. Montana isn't just where I'm from, it's woven into who I am and everything I make.

For 21 years, I dedicated myself to a career with the Forest Service, fighting wildfires and supporting fire operations administratively. Whether I was on the fireline or coordinating behind the scenes, I spent my days working hard, problem-solving under pressure, and being part of something bigger than myself. The work shaped me, taught me to push through challenges, and connected me deeply to the people of Montana and the land I call home. Those years built something in me that I'll carry forever. But recently, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: I resigned to spend more time with my kids and pursue a passion I'd buried for quite a few years...handcrafting leather bags that last a lifetime.

Family has always been my foundation, and becoming a mother changed everything. I realized I wanted to be present for the moments that matter, to teach my kids what resilience really means, not just through words but through how I live. I want them to see that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is change direction, to chase what sets your soul on fire even when it's uncertain. I want to raise them to work hard, to appreciate quality over quantity, to understand that the best things in life are built slowly, with care and intention. Most of all, I want them to know that family comes first, and that creating a life you're proud of is worth the risk.

Montana's resilience and natural beauty inspires everything I create. The animals that endure harsh winters, the mountains that stand through centuries, the rivers that carve their path through stone...they all embody a quiet strength, an effortless beauty. That's what I want to build into every piece...resilience that weathers storms and only gets better with time. Each piece is named after the resilient animals and plants that thrive in Montana's unforgiving beauty, the same landscapes that shaped who I am.

I believe in making things that last forever. Not just products, but companions for your journey...bags that not only carry your everyday essentials but also your stories and your memories. In a world of disposable everything, I'm committed to the opposite. Every item I craft is made from premium Horween leather and solid hardware, materials chosen because they age with grace and character.  These aren't just bags, they're heirlooms in the making, built to be passed down and cherished.

I thoroughly enjoy the slow, intentional process of handcrafting leather items. Nothing I create is rushed into existence; each piece is earned through patience, practice, and attention to detail. The rich, earthy smell of Horween leather never fails to take me back...to breaking in a baseball mitt on summer afternoons, to saddling up my horse before a long ride, to lacing up my Whites boots before a hard days work on a fireline. It's the smell of hard work, adventure, and things made right. Now, I'm pouring that same care and craftsmanship into every bag I make, stitching my values into every seam.

This is my leap of faith. This is me building something meaningful while showing my kids what's possible when you follow your passion. Welcome to Resilient Hide Company and thank you for being here.