Our Story
My Passion for being a leather artist started early in life, and I quickly started making bags at the age of ten. Over the years other things seem to take place of my craftsmanship, but the life and loss of my brother, and our love for rodeo renewed my passion for leather and making bags.
I became a maker of only custom bags in 2012. Making and sewing everything by hand was both rewarding and challenging but left my bags with a high price tag. There are many people here in Santa Fe that can afford a $3500 bag, but I felt a need to not only make custom bags, but also affordable bags for everyday users like you and me. To do that I realized that I had to make it a legit business with a real shop and equipment.
From “Lew Lewis Leather smith” to Marked Out Leatherworks. Marked Out, pertains to a bareback or saddle bronc rider, and they are required to keep the spurs in contact with the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s front feet hit the ground after the first jump out of the chute. My oldest brother Paul was a bareback rider, and he appreciated the leather trade and the importance of it. The name Marked Out is a tribute to my brother as a bareback rider, and my love of rodeo. Paul had a “cowboyism” sense of humor, and he told me one day after a ride… ”Bro if you’re going to last more than 8 seconds, grab some leather.” I sure do miss him.
The Team
Lew Lewis
The owner of Marked Out Leatherworks is a proud veteran and lifelong rodeo enthusiast whose passion is reflected in every custom creation. He personally puts his hands on every piece that leaves the shop, ensuring each item meets the company’s standards for quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Punky
Studio snoozer, full-time heart thief, and the four-legged soul of Marked Out Leatherworks—Punky is equal parts grit, goofiness, and unconditional love. Whether she’s patrolling the shop, joining us for a sundown stroll, or curled up nearby while we work, she keeps our spirits high and reminds us what true loyalty and joy look like.
Punky is more than our mascot—she’s family.
Amanda Carrillo
Lew’s right-hand woman wears many hats at Marked Out Leatherworks. From designing, photography, and social media to bookkeeping, shipping, event planning, sponsorships, scheduling, and everything in between, she helps keep the shop running smoothly. We truly couldn’t do it without her—and Lew is starting to think she might deserve a raise!
Lynn Lopez-Duquette
My oldest daughter has been involved in my businesses since she was 16, and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she has become. Whether she’s fixing the website, starting a new project, or loading the retail trailer, we can always count on her to get the job done. Her determination, dependability, and ability to take on just about anything are qualities every business owner hopes to find—and she makes me proud every single day.
Alyssa Marable
An essential part of the team at Marked Out Leatherworks, she works alongside Lew throughout the design process to help create one-of-a-kind custom leather pieces. She also manages marketing and social media, captures the story behind each project, and helps bring every customer’s vision to life.
Diana Aparicio
Custom Embroidery Technician
She brings quiet strength to every step of the process. Whether she’s stitching, painting, gluing, or pressing patterns into place, her care shines through. She’s steady, and thoughtful—adding warmth to the craft and heart to the workspace. She’s the calm in the creative storm, and sweeter than any of us put together. We’re lucky to have her.
Marked Out is committed to support PRCA and local Rodeo events, its athletes, and Miss Rodeo Pageantry. We believe that rodeo is the last God-fearing family event in America.
Marked Out Leatherworks is a family and veteran owned business that is still designing, cutting, sewing and making all our bags in our own shop right here in Santa Fe, NM US of A. We strive to use products and leather sourced here in America. Our quality and service will gain your trust in our products and our ethics and will support everything we stand for.
