About

Hello! My name is Ainsley and I am the owner, and creator behind the Route 105 brand. It all started with the humble travelers’ notebook. My notebook at the time wasn’t cutting it, and I was in search of a journal that would help organize my mind, but without too much structure. One day, I found a traveller’s’ notebook in the store, and decided to try to make one myself. The leather notebooks I have created since, are an expression of some of the things I value most - craftsmanship, slowing down, and putting pen to paper.

I’m inspired by nature and natural materials, which is why I have chosen to work with vegetable tanned (AKA “vegtan”) leather. Vegtan leather is made using an ancient process only used by a few tanneries in the world. It takes quite a long time, and uses tree bark and plants to tan the hides, omitting much of the harmful chemicals found in chrome tanned leather (which make up the bulk of the leather products on the market today). The leather used in Route 105 Goods is sourced from tanneries that have a higher commitment to human and environmental welfare, and all of the leather is a by-product of the meat industry, thereby diverting it from landfills.

It is my goal to curate and create goods that are meant to stand the test of time, get more beautiful with age, and bear witness to all of your adventures. So thank you for stopping by, and if you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch. Write on.

Founder, Maker - Ainsley

I am a product designer and love to work with my hands, which is a good thing because I am the one responsible for all of Route 105’s creations. I’m a country girl at heart, enjoy riding horses, skiing, and hiking with my dog, Alta (AKA Workshop Boss).

Chief Support Officer - Shawn (AKA Husband)

Even though he still has yet to make a sale, we keep him as part of the team. A proud product tester, Shawn is always quick with a joke and a hug, or advice on shop operations. He never bats an eye when I spend money on new tools. ;)

Workshop Boss - Alta

If your order was late to arrive, it’s Alta’s fault. He’s an Australian Shepherd and as bossy as he is handsome. When I’m working he frequently encourages (demands?) breaks in the form of hikes, games of fetch, and snacks. He loves a good yakchew, and he’s wonderful company while working away in the shop.