We Know You Want It
Handmade and One of a Kind from Wilder Goods
Quality and ethical manufacturing aren’t just buzzwords to longtime friends Nate Bezoplenko and Brendon Friesen. As co-owners of Wilder Goods, a locally owned and operated design and manufacturing company, it’s part of a larger trend towards more sustainable business practices.
“We enjoy what we do and appreciate what it’s taken to get to where we are,” says Bezoplenko. “We hope, in some small way, that Wilder reflects what is unique about Winnipeg.”
The store, nestled in a historic building on McDermot Avenue, specializes in leather and canvas goods, including bags, wallets and belts. Both Friesen and Bezoplenko grew up doing home renovations so it’s no surprise that this duo creates one-of-a-kind pieces for a living.
“We’ve always been DIY-type people,” says Bezoplenko. “We discussed what it would look like for us to grow as makers by funneling our natural interests into something that was creative and could pay the bills.”
“We hope, in some small way, that Wilder reflects what is unique about Winnipeg.”
Nate Bezoplenko
Luckily, knowing how to sew was something they both knew how to do. Friesen learned in high school home economics while Bezoplenko picked up the basics from his mom.
“The industrial sewing machines we use are very strong and great for stitching through thick canvas and leather,” says Bezoplenko. “Winnipeg used to be a manufacturing city and a lot of manufacturers have shut down or moved overseas, leaving a fleet of industrial sewing machines behind.”
Bezoplenko and Friesen work with quality materials, including heavyweight canvas, full grain leather, solid brass and solid copper. And producing in small batches allows Wilder to focus on attention to detail.
“We like to make at least 4 (bags) at a time,” Bezoplenko says. “Our days are rarely just manufacturing and it can be a bit of a juggling act with other parts of the business.”
For Wilder Goods, social media plays a huge role with its audience.
“It’s a great tool for us to connect with our followers and show what’s available in our shop and website, and the process of how things are made,” says Bezoplenko.
When the duo started Wilder Goods, they knew they needed to not only enjoy the work but also the process of growing a business, or they ran the risk of burning out.
“We committed early on, with little to no pay off. I think that showed each of us that we were resourceful and could make this work,” Bezoplenko says. “It’s very satisfying to see something from conception to a finished product. That won’t get old.”
All Photos by Kristhine Guerrero
