Individuality, clean, architectural lines and storytelling best describe the designer bags Matt Weaver creates through his company Andover Trask. These words are also synonymous with Matt himself. Matt's story is as unique as each of his bags - it is one full of culture, tradition and durability.

When introduced to Matt he quickly puts you at ease with his charismatic and friendly persona. Within minutes of talking to Matt you get the feeling that you have been life long friends. If you were to ask him what he does, he would explain that he is a designer and has a company called Andover Trask that crafts fine canvas and leather goods. Then, he would inquire as to your favorite cocktail completely “geeking-out” about whiskey or mezcal. But before you could part ways, he would finish the conversation by saying, “Let's find each other on Instagram.” Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good cocktail while sharing in the creative genius of others.

Matt's creative story started many years before Andover Trask was born. Weaver grew up in Rome, GA.. Rome, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, cultivated a love of historic cities as well as Matt's artisan inspirations. Its beautifully preserved downtown, southern hospitality and unhurried way of life was the perfect incubator for Matt's creativity.

Matt had a dream of moving to New England and living among the historic beauty offered there. That dream led him to Andover, MA, and a roommate named Trask. Weaver's New England dream was cut short by family responsibilities and a job offer in Atlanta, Ga.. Matt packed up and headed back to the Deep South. The move left him feeling a bit despondent, as he abandoned his dream and work in New England. This gave him a longing to produce something for himself, something that would encompass his New England dream while reflecting his southern roots and family ties.

While working for a large design firm in Atlanta, Matt bought a sewing machine and diligently taught himself to sew during his free time. He eventually settled on creating bags using American canvas and nationally sourced goods that were stylish, well made and offered utility for everyone. He personally crafts each Andover Trask bag. These bags are popular for their aesthetics as well as their quality. When you pair a keen eye for design and architectural lines with a love for all things Northeastern, you end up with a product that is both functional and fashionable.

The idea of creating something timeless, such as the bags Matt creates, could have been born from his love for architecture. “I can't remember ever not being architecture obsessed,” explains Matt, “I used to make my mother drop me off in historic neighborhoods and I would spend the day photographing and sketching the houses.” To hear him explain and borderline geek out (in the best way possible) about design is exhilarating and inspiring. “Good architecture is all about proportion, balance and materials, and I gravitate towards simple, utilitarian structures; old brick factories, built on a granite foundation with soaring ceilings and tall windows, or a shotgun house that has only the most essential rooms but is designed for southern summers and short winter days.” Matt explains that windows were placed for cross ventilations in the days before air conditioning and their soaring proportions let in the maximum amount of light before the days of electricity. This kind of attention to detail and knowledge shows through in so many other aspects of his life.

“I seek out historic places to visit, and in turn, I end up stumbling upon all sorts of interesting things: the food, literature, art and history. I work all the time so when I get a chance to relax I try to make the most of it,” explains Matt. Matt is a book lover and avid reader. He is especially fond of Mark Twain with Huckleberry Finn holding a soft spot in his heart. This love for books led him to start “A Book for Every Bag.” For each bag purchased through the Andover Trask website a new book is donated to a child or young adult with limited access to literature. Matt doesn't limit this to just one area or organization, but researches and is open to donating to who could use them the most. Matt uses southern literature and stories to enrich and empower the children who benefit through all the ideas and opportunities literacy opens up. Each Andover Trask bag shares Matt's love for literature not only through the “A Book for Every Bag” program, but with the names they carry with them such as Finn, Harper, Huck and Faulkner.

If you were to visit Matt in Atlanta he may entertain you with his adventurous bartending skills, he is always trying new things. A favorite cocktail is a simple gin and tonic made with exceptional ingredients (St. George Terroir and Fever Tree Tonic) and finished with a “healthy splash” of Angostura bitters. In fact, if you went out onto this self-proclaimed black thumb’s balcony you would find a basil plant, given to him by his grandmother, that he uses to garnish his gin and tonics.

When you meet people who are truly gifted they glow with the authenticity only they possess. Matt has that genuine love for what he does that shows through in his every creation. As someone who is inspired by a good book, beautiful architecture and being surrounded by friends and family, Matt is the epitome of genuine. “I feel like we are surrounded by a Pinterest authenticity, which isn't authentic at all,” says Matt, “I love beautiful photos as much as anyone, but I think real authenticity is about being present in the moment and taking time to engage with people in a meaningful way. Life is short, and I try not to spend my time chasing material things.”

This story is from The Pioneer Issue now on news stands!