Little Leather Loop: Crafting a More Sustainable Future Through Leather Repair and Upcycling

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.

The program provides hands-on retail experience and business training to help immigrant entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures in the heart of Ottawa.

At the ByWard Market Vendor Village, you will discover more than handmade leather goods. Behind Little Leather Loop is a story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the courage to leave behind a traditional career path to build something more meaningful.

Founded by a former technology professional, Little Leather Loop was created from a desire to reconnect with craftsmanship, creativity, and values rooted in sustainability.

Growing up, Amina Berrada was often encouraged to pursue a traditional career path.

"I was always told that you could be a lawyer, an engineer or a failure."

Following that advice, she earned degrees in electrical engineering and physics before building a successful career in the telecommunications industry.

While she achieved what many would consider a dream career, something still felt missing.

She found herself questioning whether her work aligned with her personal values, especially as she became more concerned about the environmental impact of emerging technologies and the effects of overconsumption.

A major turning point came when her father was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Wanting to spend more time with him and searching for a new direction, she decided to step away from her technology career and learn a craft that had been part of her family's history.

Originally from Morocco, Amina Berrada brought with her a deep appreciation for craftsmanship when she moved to Ottawa, Canada. Her father’s professional background was in leatherwork,  including shoe fabrication and repairs, and through learning from him, she discovered a new passion that became the foundation for Little Leather Loop

Today, the business focuses on being the opposite of disposable fashion by offering leather repair and upcycling services, as well as creating durable leather goods designed to be practical and long-lasting.

For the founder, every piece represents a different approach to consumption.

"I want to offer products that are meant to last."

Building a business from scratch has come with its own challenges.

One of the biggest has been learning not to compare herself with people who have spent years mastering their craft.

She has been balancing many roles at once: learning leather repair, building a business, marketing her products, and becoming comfortable sharing her creations with customers.

"I’m learning to be imperfect and to let people in by selling them a piece of my story."

Rather than waiting until everything is perfect, she has embraced the learning process and recognized that authenticity is one of the greatest strengths of a small business.

One of her proudest moments has been seeing strangers recognize and appreciate her work.

"When strangers on the street compliment me on something that I made myself, it brings me so much pride and joy."

Her handmade corset water bottle holder has received particular attention, creating opportunities for conversations about her work and the story behind each piece.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program also played an important role in helping her grow as an entrepreneur.

"The community and the people in the program were the biggest support."

Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but being surrounded by other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges helped her feel supported and encouraged.

The program also provided valuable business knowledge and answered questions she did not even realize she had.

"The incubator was totally worth the time, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this cohort."

For other immigrant entrepreneurs, her advice is to trust the process and believe in their own stories.

"You are learning and doing your best, and that’s what’s important."

She encourages entrepreneurs to embrace growth, accept that improvement takes time, and remember that meaningful businesses are built through authenticity and purpose.

"I know I have a story to tell, and so do you."

At Little Leather Loop, every creation represents more than leather. It represents sustainability, craftsmanship, and the belief that products should be valued, repaired, and enjoyed for years to come.

Visit Little Leather Loop at the ByWard Market Vendor Village to discover handcrafted leather goods and learn more about a business creating a more thoughtful approach to fashion and consumption.

Explore Little Leather Loop or stay updated on their latest projects. Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @littleleatherloop to follow their journey as they continue creating meaningful handcrafted leather pieces, sharing their creativity, and turning their passion into a unique small business.

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.