I respect people who recognize their ability to change the world and honor that. People who blow the doors off their life and go forward full steam ahead inspire me to do the same.

Cordila Jochim, the designer and creator behind Thickskin, Inc., a new exotic and chic leather accessories collection, is the product of a bi-cultural household and it shows.

Blending the simple elegance of Europe with the edgy and resilient spirit of America, Cordila brings out the best of both worlds. Schooled in both the States and Europe (Germany), Cordila uses her double degrees, neither of which is design, to propel Thickskin forward as a company people respond to on a personal level.

"The original seed of this company was my baby brother Raif, who is a model and needed a cool portfolio for his pictures. It was born out of a direct need for him to stand apart from the crowd, demand excellence, and be the best he can be. And that has remained the philosophy," says Cordila.

She continues to craft leather accessories and handbags out of exotic skins and textured leather. "I like scars and texture in my leather, as in my people. It's a certain personality that carries my bags: witty, gritty, avant garde and world-focused. I can always see them coming. I know my tribe."

Cordila continues to be the one to watch as Thickskin moves forward.

"I respect people who recognize their ability to change the world and honor that. People who blow the doors off their life and go forward full steam ahead inspire me to do the same."