PW: Welcome to Pup-World, Titus! So excited to learn more about you and Feral Leathers. Let's jump in! Where did you grow up?

TITUS: I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where I lived for 18 years before joining the Navy. After my service, I returned home to Austin, where I now attend school to further my education and pursue my business dream.

PW: How did you get into pup play?

TITUS: I was a hopeless romantic in high school who devoured every gay novel I could find. It started with sweet romances, then evolved into deeper dives into BDSM fiction. Pup play eventually became my real-life adaptation of those stories—my own personal adventure into kink.

PW: Is there a cultural element you bring into your work? Materials?

TITUS: There’s a lot of culture in leatherworking, especially in the traditional techniques I use to capture modern expressions. Most kink gear on the market is made from chrome-tanned leather, which is processed industrially and changes the nature of the material. I work with vegetable-tanned leather instead, which allows me to apply classic leatherworking methods, styles, and finishes. It’s a more hands-on, intentional approach that honors the craft while embracing the modern trends.

PW: What sort of pieces do you want to be known for?

TITUS: I consider my flagship pieces to be my harnesses, my muzzles, and my leather and velcro bondage cuffs.

PW: Why do you think pup play has become so popular?

TITUS: I think a big part of pup play’s popularity comes from self-expression and the ability to customize your ‘avatar.’ In today’s world, many of us are used to creating characters that reflect our personality in the games we play. Pup play becomes a real-life extension of that—a way to explore and express different sides of ourselves in a creative and deeply personal way.

PW: Is there a large pup community in your area?

TITUS: Yes! Thankfully there is a very nice pup community in Austin that is thriving. I love my community and I hope it continues to grow.

PW: Given the divisive political climate in Texas and Washington, are you worried about safety and how the public perceives you?

TITUS: Public perception matters in any business, but I’m not overly concerned. As long as I operate according to the ethical principles I strive to embody, I believe perception will take care of itself.

PW: Are you in a pack?

TITUS: No, I’m not in a pack. There isn’t much of a pack-based culture in Austin, and personally, I prefer not to contribute to dividing the pup community into packs or cliques. I believe in free expression and equality, and I try to maintain an open-door approach. Anyone’s welcome to come up, say hi, and have a conversation.

Feral Leathers

PW: If you had to pick one quality, what is the sexiest thing about a pup?

TITUS: The way a pup expresses itself is the most appealing aspect of their personality. There are so many clever and creative ways to do it, and I love seeing the distinct personalities that pups and furries bring to life.

PW: You've got a clear vision of your future and how to start your own business. What first drew you to creating handmade leather apparel?

TITUS: My leatherworking journey started during COVID, while I was still enlisted in the Navy. As a kinky leather enthusiast already, I got hooked watching ASMR YouTube videos that showcased the craft. I decided to give it a shot. I bought a few starter kits and simple patterns and started making pieces of my own. Long story short: I fell in love with the art, and it turns out I’ve got a natural knack for it.

PW: Is there a Feral Leathers origin story? When did you start your journey?

TITUS: I’d say the origin story of Feral Leathers begins with the support of my friends. After I made a few early pieces, they were genuinely impressed with the quality I was able to achieve, especially for someone so new to the craft. That encouragement lit a fire in me. I kept exploring, experimenting, and sharpening my skills until I felt confident I could create true masterpieces. That’s when the dream of a business started taking shape. I began slowly planting the seeds that would grow into what Feral Leathers is today and what I hope it becomes in the future. My goal isn’t just to create the highest-quality products I can, it’s also to use my work to help create the kind of change I want to see in the world. And for me, that starts in the smallest details.

PW: How has the company grown since its inception?

TITUS: Growth is a very difficult attribute for me currently. Since I am my only employee (#EmployeeOfTheMonth), I cannot measure my growth by the number of employees but rather by my work. What about the equipment I use? Absolutely. How about my technique? It has been growing exponentially. One percent every day really adds up.

PW: On your website it states, “Embrace the extraordinary with Feral Leathers – where your uniqueness is our craft.” Is that your motto?

TITUS: My slogan is “Crafted. Quality. You." I chose it because I wanted to speak directly to the individual wearing my gear. It highlights the uniqueness of my handmade techniques and the level of quality I bring to each piece. Compared to much of the mass-produced gear on the market, I aim to create something truly personal—something that helps people express themselves in bold, authentic ways.

PW: Where is Feral Leathers located?

TITUS: Like me, born and raised in Austin, Texas. Although I would like to create a storefront in the upcoming years, I do not currently have one.

PW: How does your community influence what you create?

TITUS: Our community thrives on diversity and self-expression, and that energy is woven into everything I create. It’s never just about making a harness. It’s about making your harness, something that reflects who you are.

PW: What’s your favorite part of the creation process? Do you favor design, creation, or both?

TITUS: That’s a very tricky question because of the vastly different processes involved. Design is very technical and problem-solving, which lights up my analytical brain. In contrast, the creative side is far more artistic and lets me explore my more sensual side.

PW: What kind of materials do you prefer to work with, and why?

TITUS: I prefer working with vegetable-tanned (veg-tan) leather because it’s the more traditional form of leathercraft. It allows me to embed the artwork directly into the leather itself, rather than relying on machine-stitched colorful layers to create an effect. It’s a more hands-on, expressive medium that honors the craft.

PW: Does Feral Leathers collaborate with other pet play businesses or participate in any pet play communities online or offline?

TITUS: I am currently looking to explore collaboration with other kink-based creators.

PW: What exciting things are on the horizon for Feral Leathers? Any new designs or directions you're exploring?

TITUS: Right now, I’m working on the 2.0 version of my harnesses. They’re beautifully handcrafted pieces featuring a functional handle on the back, designed with play in mind. While they’re suspension-capable (though not recommended), they’re built to last. My design goal? To make my audience say 'WOW' five times.

PW: What’s the most memorable thing you’ve ever created for a customer?

TITUS: It is probably the crown that was commissioned by my friend, Artemis. It was a gift for Beta to give to him to celebrate their relationship. I took the opportunity to try and create the most unique crown that I could, and Artemis says I definitely delivered.

PW: If you could collaborate with anyone in the pet play community, who would it be and why?

TITUS: Oh dear, you’re asking who I’d want to collaborate with? Honestly, there probably isn’t anyone I wouldn’t love to see getting tossed around in one of my harnesses.