Jason Gregory started the MAKR brand in 2005, as a title for his various design projects. Leather goods, wallets, bags and accessories fall under this umbrella, with furniture slated for next. Gregory speaks to LINE about his past in photography, his exceptionally curated blog, and the wonderful thing about manufacturing 90% of his goods right at home in Winter Park, FL.

LINE: What is the history of MAKR?

Jason Gregory: MAKR is the project that I’ve wanted to do since I was very young. It’s a blending of all the things I love with the flexibility to form into anything we want it to be. The origins of MAKR as a company are the early design projects that were done during time off at my previous employment. I was given the opportunity to experiment with many different tools, some of which we use in our studio today. These experiments and the desire to make things for people begin the story of MAKR.

LINE: What were you doing before MAKR?

JG: Working at an architecture/branding firm that tried to create/fabricate identities for large companies. Very insincere work. Although not my favorite type of work, a very important role in the development of myself as a designer.

LINE: MAKR is headquartered in Winter Park FL, how did you decide to be located there?

JG: I was born in South Florida and grew up in Central Florida,