About us

Soot Cat

"Soot Cat" is named after my cat, すす or Susu, which means "soot" in Japanese. When we first got him, I said "He looks like he has soot all over his face" and that he resembles a soot sprite or "Susuwatari" from Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away". We also call him "Poopoo" because he looks like a turd, but that doesn't sound like a good name for a leather working business.

Susu is the supervisor and print manager here at Soot Cat. He addresses any and all 'kneads' around the office. Because of his dedication to the team, we decided to name the business after him.

Jess

Heyo!

My name is Jess. I am the one and only crafter (among other titles) of Soot Cat. I started leather working in May 2023. Currently, I work part-time at Tandy Leather in Little Rock, AR and work/learn leather the rest of the time. I am a leatherworker first, an artist second, and somewhere deep down the list (probably close to the bottom) - a business person. I take immense care in what I make. I love to learn, and I love to help and teach others what I have discovered.