About three years ago, FOUNT, a Cleveland-based leather bag company, started selling its products in open air shopping malls. The company found so much success with that format, someone suggested expanding into Texas, specifically Southlake.

In mid-April, FOUNT opened a store inside Southlake Town Square at 416 W. Grand Ave. This latest expansion has been a perfect fit for the customer and company’s founders.

“We have found that the customer down there loves style, loves fashion and loves newness,” Jackie Wachter, FOUNT co-founder, said. “They’ve been extremely excited and welcoming, which has been really cool.”

FOUNT opened a store inside Southlake Town Square in mid-April. Co-founders Jackie and Phillip Wachter are expanding the company beyond its Ohio roots with the Texas location and an opening planned in Atlanta later this year. Each store offers complimentary conditioning for the bags using natural leather cream.

Jackie and her husband, Phillip, founded FOUNT in 2014. The company has expanded outside its Cleveland roots where there are two stores, with a boutique in Columbus, Southlake and another opening planned in Atlanta later this year. FOUNT also started doing wholesale distribution earlier this year.

FOUNT sells several kinds of bags, including totes, shoulder bags and crossbody bags, in addition to clutches, belts and belt bags. The company crafts items from full grain, Italian leather, which is the same material used on many high-end saddles. Saddle stitching helps the bags withstand everyday wear and tear.

Using real leather differentiates FOUNT from other market competitors, Wachter said.

To highlight the bags’ durability, staff places a display outside the stores each morning with a tote holding 16 bricks weighing 54 pounds. An accompanying sign states that FOUNT’s Bellfield tote can hold those bricks without stretching or breaking the straps, so it can definitely hold a laptop along with other everyday items.

“It’s indestructible,” Wachter said. “In fact, we’ve never had a single strap on our totes break in 10 years.” 

When an item does need a repair related to the construction or structural integrity of the bag, like a snap or stitch comes loose, FOUNT’s team will do the repair free of charge to the customer. Each store also offers complimentary conditioning using natural leather cream.

“Complimentary because we believe in quality,” Wachter said. “So, the word fount itself means an abundant source of desirable quality. And that’s kind of the whole mission of our company, is to make quality products.”

The name FOUNT comes from an old Christian hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” 

Before starting the company, Jackie, then a kindergarten teacher, spent a lot of time shopping at vintage stores. Jackie said she noticed old leather bags found at consignment stores were more durable than some bags purchased at other places. This inspired the Wachters to explore old world techniques that produced high-end, long-lasting products.

Bellfield has become the company’s iconic bag and number one selling collection, coming in five styles ranging in price from $390 to $550. The name is an homage to Cleveland’s Bellfield Avenue where the Wachters had their first apartment and started the company.

The Banjo bag, priced at $820, is the “fashion forward, celebrity bag” as Wachter noted actress Gwyneth Paltrow and the wife of NBA superstar and Ohio native LeBron James each have one. A new version recently came out featuring a crossbody strap and a flat bottom.

And the Wachters have not left out their customers’ furry friends. Dog collars in sizes from small to extra large, a leash and waste bag holder are available through FOUNT. The stitching and tassels match the totes. Stores are also dog friendly. 

Hospitality is another core value for FOUNT. Each store has a family room where kids can play with toys. That room also has drinks for the husband or significant other who joined the shopping venture.

“I try to make it feel like this kind of homey environment,” Wachter said. “It’s very friendly and welcoming because it takes a while to make a decision about your bag. Each bag is one of a kind, because the hides are naturally tanned. Every single one is going to be a little bit different.” 

FOUNT is adding more products to its repertoire, particularly on the men’s line. Wallets are already on the market. Briefcases are slated for this summer and dopp kits will arrive in time for the holiday season, Wachter said.

The company does quarterly color drops as well. A cream color will be released in August.

FOUNT will continue looking for growth opportunities in the coming years, keeping Texas in mind. Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston and Austin are on the company’s radar for potential store locations, Wachter said.

As the company reaches a wider audience, the commitment to quality, timeless products remains a constant theme. Wachter called the bags an “heirloom” item because she wants customers to use them for many years and then hand them down to their daughter.

“My mission is to become the Patagonia of leather handbags,” Wachter said. “Patagonia stands by their product. They will fix it if it breaks. It’s reliable. It’s not the cheapest option, but it is the most reliable option. And that’s what I want to be in the leather bag world.”