At Indigo Laine & Co., the hum of sewing machines competes with conversation. Customers wandering through the storefront often find themselves invited behind the curtain to watch leather transform as it is cut, stitched and assembled by hand. Built into the philosophy of the local leather shop is the belief that transparency matters just as much as the craftsmanship itself.
“When people stumble across our shop, it really allows for the coolest conversations and connections,” shared founder Randi Hamlyn. “It’s not about the bags; it’s a people business.”
What began as a hobby in 2016 has grown into a recognized manufacturing business in the region known for handcrafted leather goods, wholesale collaborations and a community-centered mission. A decade ago, the first Indigo Laine bag was made while preparing for a trip, with no intention of starting a brand. Hamlyn simply wanted a durable leather tote for carry-on use, and at the time, leather wasn’t yet the makers’ focus.
Hamlyn had been experimenting with shibori and indigo dyeing when a buyer from Dallas Market discovered her work on Instagram and offered her a free booth to showcase a collection of indigo-dyed home textiles. Suddenly, she was in need of a business name. Inspired by the indigo fabrics she was creating and her middle name, Laine, Indigo Laine was born. The leatherwork came later, but the name remained.
Growth came steadily and somewhat unexpectedly. The Indigo Laine & Co. production team now consists of five people, so the commitment to craftsmanship naturally limits production. The brand releases roughly four collections a year while balancing custom projects and wholesale accounts.
Though now embraced across the Coastal Bend, the company first built a loyal following in the Hill Country, where the founder spent much of her life. The opening of Indigo Laine’s public-facing storefront just two years ago accelerated that momentum even more, turning the shop into a destination for summer travelers and leather enthusiasts alike.
This year, Indigo Laine received one of its biggest honors yet: being named the 2026 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year by the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office. “We were up against some big people, like oil field manufacturers, so just the acknowledgment of the hard work we put in is really just the icing on the cake,” Hamlyn said. “The SBA has a huge emphasis on community building.” That’s also integral to Hamlyn and her brand, as she launched a Small Business Association in Sinton that hosts educational programs and town-wide events for local entrepreneurs.
With a decade under its belt, Indigo Laine & Co. prepares to celebrate its milestone anniversary with the launch of a nostalgic collection inspired by its indigo-dyed beginnings, which will be named “Blue Collar.”
Though countless designs have been made since that first year, some things never change. At Indigo Laine & Co., success is dependent on three things: hard work, exceptionally made products and the importance of treating people with kindness.
Contact: 117 S. Rachal, Sinton | indigolaine.com | @indigo.laine.co
