01. our story

The Kester Homestead and The Local Branch are owned and operated by husband and wife duo Blaine and Mackenzie Vossler.

The Local Branch is the couple's first project together - a handcrafted leather goods and apparel brand they founded in 2009 while living in San Francisco (although from Upstate NY originally). The pair turned their small brand into a full-time endeavor when they renovated a mobile Airstream workshop and toured the country full time for two years, making and selling their wares wholesale and retail. The Local Branch now has a brick + mortar shop in the quaint lake town of Skaneateles NY, just 7 miles away from their workshop at The Homestead. Their store features their handmade leather goods, apparel as well as goods from other small local makers or USA-made artisans, and it also features a small canteen serving local coffee and kombucha. We hope you can check out the shop while you’re in town.

The Kester Homestead was their first vision though, before they dreamed up The Local Branch (over 10 years ago) — they imagined a historic farmhouse, a barn for weddings, and property to wander, explore, share and create. The home remains the couple’s full time residence with their little one Hawk and their pup Rye — and they move out during wedding season and stay nearby. Their business at The Kester Homestead has expanded in just the few years since opening — and now offers Full Service Wedding Planning, Day of Coordination & Styling and in-house Floral Services. The house is a reflection of their travels and many of the items inside the house are also for sale at their storefront — making the experience somewhat of a living store.

Thank you for joining in on their wild and wandering journey — hope to meet you soon.