Rising Stars: Meet Anthony Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Martin

Hi Anthony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Saint Anthony actually started as a hobby. I am also a Michelin rated chef, so working a very rigours schedule has always been standard. I bought my first sewing machine to learn how to tailor my clothes after long days in the kitchen… that was the start, I soon tried my skills with leather and then tackled my first luxury bag.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am 100% self taught (thank you youtube!!!). There were many days while learning my craft that were very frustrating. Sewing needles would break, bags would not line up during assembly, embroidery would not turn out as envisioned…. the list is endless. Making myself learn why these issues were occurring and how to correct them was a long process but ultimately it is also what allowed my design to reach new levels.
Starting Saint Anthony was, and at times still very much is a grind. There are less demanding ways that I could make a living, but for me the grind is motivating.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create one of one custom items with a focus on luxury brands. Attention to detail and functionality are always at the forefront of my designs. As my brand has developed I have become very passionate about reinventing vintage items as well as creating an emotional connection between my clients and the pieces that I create for them. Weather it is incorporating something sentimental that they may send me or reimagining something that maybe does not get the attention that it once did, I want them to LOVE it everytime that it gets used. Throughout my years spent in the kitchen a surprising and extremely gratifying skill that I developed was paying attention to very small details with each individual guest. Weather is was something basic like remembering a birthday or a specific off menu dish that I would cook for them based on their past experience with us, I quickly saw how special I could make guests feel…. creating an emotional connection with clients is something I strive for everyday.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
How to be resilient. When the crisis started I was selling items in a handful of the top boutiques in the country. Within one week all of my items were returned when the boutiques all closed. It was a very humbling, and stressful experience. I was able to adapt quickly and switched too making custom luxury face masks. The masks all sold out instantly when I would offer them online. Hand making masks by myself was/is not the business model that I had in mind, but it let me keep the brand alive during a very uncertain time.

Pricing:

• Each piece is one of one so pricing varies greatly
• Typically a rule of thumb is that if you would make a purchase at a luxury store then you would fit within Saint Anthony price range

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stacustoms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanthonydesign/