Behind the Brand: The Journey of Kelly Tooke
They say every journey begins with a single step. In this case, it began with a single stitch—hand-drawn, deliberate, and grounded in care. The Kellys entered a century-old family business and, over time, became expert leather craftsmen. That work brought them close to the material itself—ranchers, tanneries, and leather artisans who knew leather not as a trend, but as a tradition. That intimacy shaped everything that followed.
It laid the foundation for Kelly Tooke: a brand built on family, craft, and the kind of quiet innovation that honors what came before. The name itself carries personal weight—a tribute to a branch of the family no longer here, folded into every label, every strap, every story. In choosing to include “Tooke,” the Kellys have ensured that legacy lives on in the work they carry forward.
This isn’t just a brand—it’s a family history, shaped by generations of leather artisans. Born from a love of the material and a deep respect for its character, Kelly Tooke is rooted in craftsmanship without compromise. Each piece is made in small batches, where every cut and stitch is intentional. And every design carries something passed down.
At the heart of the company are Steve and Shelly Kelly, whose partnership defines more than business—it defines balance. Shelly, lead designer, draws from her Western roots to shape silhouettes that blend utility and restraint, elegance and edge. Steve brings decades of leatherwork to the table: steady hands, sharp tools, and a craftsman’s instinct for when a piece feels right. Together, they embody the rhythm of tradition meeting innovation.
Their daughter Harley recently joined the fold, bringing experience from New York’s fashion world, including time with an iconic American brand. Her influence is felt in the modern refinement that now threads through each collection—forward-thinking, but never unmoored from its origins.
From the sculpted lines of the Soho Collection to the rugged textures of the Texas Ranch Collection, every piece is designed to be carried, lived in, and handed down. Backed by a lifetime warranty, these aren’t just accessories—they’re companions built for the long haul.
Over time, Kelly Tooke has quietly earned admiration for its commitment to quality, beauty, and truth in materials. It’s not just a business. It’s a reflection of what American craftsmanship can be: personal, lasting, and full of heart.
We’re proud to share their story as part of our “Behind the Brands” series. It’s a reminder that legacy doesn’t just live in history books—it lives in what we make, what we carry, and how we carry it forward. Experience the Kelly Family Quality
