The Worth of the Unfound, as Told by Florence

 

Florence knows how to hold your gaze. Not in the showy, theatrical way of cities that perform for visitors, but with the kind of confidence that comes from centuries of being watched, studied, painted, and remembered. For Lori, Florence is a city of layers, each one more enchanting than the last, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to look deeper.

 

 

She arrived in Florence with a specific intention: to explore the city's world-renowned leather craftsmanship. Florence has long been home to ateliers and artisans who tan, dye, and stitch by hand, continuing traditions that feel almost sacred in their precision. The promise of discovery beckoned, and Florence did not disappoint.

 

 

She visited workshops tucked down side streets, where the smell of leather mingled with wood shavings and heat. She watched hands at work—some calloused, some delicate—folding, stretching, and embossing. She listened, took notes, and felt that familiar spark of connection with each artisan she met, particularly with one master craftsman whose work captured the essence of what The Wren represents.

 

 

While this particular artisan's schedule couldn't accommodate new clients at the moment, the connection itself validated everything The Wren stands for. Finding someone who shares our commitment to slow, intentional craftsmanship—someone whose waitlist speaks to the value of patience and perfection—that's a victory in itself.

 

 

Florence offered not just inspiration, but affirmation. It showed us that there are still places in the world where craft is sacred, where beauty takes precedence over speed, and where the right connections matter more than quick transactions. Lori, ever the seeker, knows that sometimes the most meaningful part of the journey is simply being present for the search.