About Lucio

Lucio Bavelli is a native of Chieri, Italy, a town of about 30,000 nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, just outside of Turin.  He began his training in leather work over 10 years ago in Florence, the city famous for its quality and tradition in the field.  There he trained in workshops that made wallets and purses for some of Italy's top designers.  Along with much experimentation on his own, he soon acquired the skills to create his own designs for wallets, handbags, and more.  He continued designing his own line of products after getting married and moving to the States.

Lucio has spent the last few years working at an upholstery shop, and making his leather goods on the side.  More recently he has been learning the trade of shoe repair, in preparation for opening his own business.  Bavelli Shoe and Leather Repair opened in January 2009 in Baxter, Minnesota, where he currently resides.  He's excited to have his own space where he can incorporate all of his various leatherworking experiences.  He is focused both on making repairs and creating his own leather goods.

When he's not at the shop, you can find Lucio spending time with his kids, playing soccer, fishing at the lake, and chopping wood (to keep that fire roaring through those long, cold Minnesota winters!).  Lucio's wife Sarah also helps out with the business, when she's not busy with the kids (which is when they're asleep!).  She does the behind-the-scenes work like processing orders and keeping the books.