CURRENT LEAD TIME IS 6-8 WEEKS
THE STORY BEHIND GABSTERS
by Gabriel Morales
The Early Spark
Childhood
From a young age, I had a passion for shoes, especially soccer shoes. As I grew older, this passion evolved into a love for leather shoes, appreciating their craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Little did I know, this fascination would one day lead to an adventure of a lifetime.
A Turning Point
In 2018, during a time of uncertainty in Nicaragua, my life took an unexpected turn. I couldn’t attend school due to safety concerns, leaving me at home with time to reflect. What started as boredom quickly turned into curiosity as I began teaching myself shoemaking through YouTube videos.
Recognizing my passion, my mom introduced me to Erwin Selva, a master cobbler. He became my mentor, teaching me the art of shoemaking. After six months of hard work, I crafted my first pair of shoes and sold them to my uncle, a moment that revealed not just a skill, but a calling.
The Birth of GABSTERS
By the end of 2018, I officially launched Gabsters with a clear mission: to create high-quality, handcrafted leather products. 2019 was an incredible year for us, filled with growth and excitement. However, when the pandemic hit in early 2020, it brought everything to a halt. With no resources, no machines, and no team, the dream seemed to slip away.
Resilience Through the Journey
The COVID years were challenging, they became a critical part of my journey. For three years, I immersed myself in learning the trade, designing products, understanding materials, and studying the business inside and out.
In 2023, just as I considered giving up and taking a job at a call center, a surprising opportunity came my way, I started working full time for Chosen Children Ministries and a kind woman I met on a missionary trip believed in my dream and gifted me the funds to buy my first stitching machine. It was a turning point I never expected.
A New Chapter: Building the Team
With the stitching machine in hand but limited time to use it, I decided to bring someone on board. That’s when I met Frank, who started working part-time. When he lost his previous job, he joined Gabsters full-time, becoming an essential part of the team.
Today, Gabsters has grown into a small but dedicated team of three artisans. Together, we’ve built a brand focused on crafting premium leather products designed for adventure. Whether it’s a rugged backpack for the outdoors or versatile boots for exploring the unknown, our mission remains the same: to empower people to journey boldly and stress-free.
More Adventure, Less Anxiety
At Gabsters, we believe that adventure begins with reliable gear. Our leather products are crafted to make every journey memorable, whether you’re hiking a mountain, exploring a new city, or just embracing life’s unexpected detours.
Our story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that great journeys deserve exceptional products. This is just the beginning of the Gabsters adventure. Join us as we continue to craft gear that inspires exploration and reminds you to focus on what truly matters: the journey itself.