A lifetime of making.
OUR STORY
A story still unfolding.
WHERE IT BEGAN
I was born in Colombia and grew up in Miami, where restoring antique cars taught me to appreciate detail and the satisfaction of making things well. A double degree in Finance and International Business from Florida International University gave me the business foundation to turn that passion into a livelihood.
While studying, I was trading antique cars which took me across to Europe. On a trip to buy a used Porsche, a chance meeting with a German belt manufacturer in Madrid introduced me to leatherwork—rekindling a family connection to leather that had skipped a generation and awakening a passion that would become my life’s work.
BUILDING TOBACCO ROAD
European lessons.
Miami roots.
I brought the techniques I learned in Europe to our Miami workshop, combining distinctive materials with careful workmanship.
By the early 2000s, we were supplying more than 500 boutiques. Many of those retailers became friends.
Shovelle Inc. is the company behind Tobacco Road. Our red belt labels carry Tobacco Road on the front and Shovelle on the reverse.
OUR MILESTONES
1984
1982
1985
2025
2022
Began making leather belts in Spain.
Renewed the trademark as Tobacco Road, without ‘Belt Co.’
Established Miami manufacturing and incorporated as Shovelle Inc.
Adopted the DBA Tobacco Road Leathers.
Trademarked Tobacco Road Belt Co.
WHAT GUIDES US
I believe a leather accessory should look good for years—and be made to serve you just as long.
That belief guides the materials we select, the proportions we refine, and the attention we give to each piece.
THE STORY CONTINUES
Old favorites.
New chapters.
It means a great deal to see Tobacco Road belts from earlier collections appear on the secondhand market. These pieces are part of our history, each carrying a story beyond our workshop.
Click below to see earlier collections offered by independent resale sellers.
CUSTOMER STORIES
Selected five-star reviews from our Tobacco Road Leathers Etsy shop.
★★★★★
“The belt feels like a quality belt with a beautiful red color & textured croc design.”
★★★★★
“I bought one for myself in December and decided to buy another three as gifts for some friends”
★★★★★
“Really well made! Great craftsmanship and shipped right away. Awesome work, thanks so much!”
Amanita
Etsy · January 21, 2026
Sunset Red Croco belt
Oliver
Etsy · September 22, 2025
Custom gift order
Scott
Etsy · September 27, 2026
Heritage Brown cigar case
Review excerpts. Product names shown for context.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
In 2023, I began rebuilding Tobacco Road online, starting with a small collection of leather cigar cases. Your response encouraged me to explore new textures and colors and expand our collection on Etsy.
That growth is also bringing me back to my roots: making leather belts. Through Etsy, I am gradually introducing leather and buckle combinations, reconnecting with the craft that helped start this business.
Today, our cigar cases are also available on Amazon, bringing Tobacco Road to a wider audience. As the collection grows, my commitment remains the same: carefully selected leathers, thoughtful construction, and quality I am proud to put my name on.
Thank you for being part of this next chapter.
Robert Currea