Our Story

Erick JN Maleza

Chief Craftman - WOAS LEATHER

WOAS LEATHER—short for Work Of Art Studio—was born from a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a love for working with the hands. Founded by Erick, a civil engineer turned leather artisan, WOAS LEATHER began in 2018 as a passionate hobby and has grown into one of Tanzania’s most promising leather brands.

What started in a second bedroom of Erick’s apartment has now expanded into a 100-square-meter workshop in Dar es Salaam, employing a growing team of skilled artisans. WOAS LEATHER now offers over 30 unique leather products, including handcrafted bags, wallets, belts, and accessories.

At WOAS, we treat leathercraft as art—each piece thoughtfully designed, every detail carefully executed. Our mission is rooted in redefining the value of locally made goods. While faux leather floods the market, often misrepresented as genuine, we’re committed to educating the public and promoting true, high-quality Tanzanian leather products. We source locally,

create with purpose, and prioritize quality above all, because we believe that great

products elevate the user experience.

Erick’s journey is deeply influenced by his mother—a relentless entrepreneur with endless creative energy—and by his own background in engineering, which brings structure and vision to the craft. His motivation lies not only in building a sustainable business but in creating a movement: one where Tanzanians

take pride in what is made at home.

WOAS LEATHER stands for art, quality, and purpose—and we’re just

getting started.