Stitching a New Beginning
Hello, I’m Corey, the founder of TRIM, our family’s homegrown leather studio. Alongside my brother Benji, we’ve been building this dream together for over 15 years—a journey that’s been as rewarding as it’s been challenging. It all began in 2009, when TRIM was a small project meant to help me through my struggles with depression. I never imagined it would one day support our family, but life has a way of steering us in unexpected directions.
One turning point came when our father, who worked long hours as a butcher in a demanding job, was hospitalized due to a serious health issue. His endless hours and limited rest took a toll on his health, but he continued, providing just enough to sustain us and help me finish school. Determined to help ease his burden, I took on work after graduation. Yet I quickly realized I needed to improve, and that experience pushed me to think about how I could do something meaningful—and sustainable. That’s when TRIM truly began to take shape.
I chose leather for its durability and beauty, hoping to build a business from home that allowed me to care for my family. Leather crafting wasn’t easy, and each piece taught me something new. My first item, a simple book cover, didn’t turn out perfectly, but I kept refining my work. Over time, I crafted everything from pen cases to wallets, and in 2012, I created my first leather iPhone case, which became popular on social platforms and garnered attention from media outlets like Etsy, Business Insider, and HK Magazine.
With orders flowing in, my father left his job and joined me in the business, a moment I’ll always cherish—he was finally free from the grind that had held him back for so long. My brother Benji soon joined as well, becoming the heart and engine of TRIM. Today, our father has retired, enjoying his time as a farmer, gardener, and proud grandfather.
TRIM remains a family business, focused on quality, creativity, and care in every item we make. Beyond phone cases and watch bands, we are expanding into unique gift ideas, art pieces, and handcrafted décor—each piece meant to carry our story forward.
Life is full of highs and lows. We face new challenges daily, from the pandemic to rising costs, yet we hold steadfast to our faith and never give up. Thank you for reading our story and for supporting TRIM, a family legacy of resilience, faith, and craftsmanship.
Corey, TRIM Leather from Hong Kong
2024
