Happy Friday Amigos,

Welcome to the next edition of JM’s Weekly Roundup. A quick hit of what’s new at La Matera and a few things that’ve popped up on my radar lately.

TL;DR:

• La Matera Highlight: Woven Belts back in rotation after a busy stretch and keep an eye on your inbox for our Valentine’s Day bundle deal dropping Sunday.

• Book of the Week: Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon

• Worth Checking Out: Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

• Brand I’m Eyeing: Imogene and Willie - American-made staples done right, and a Higonokami knife that stopped my Pinterest scroll cold.

• Weekend Wisdom: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

1. La Matera Highlight: Back to the Wovens

After a stretch of home remodeling, lots of moving parts, and some crazy weather, it’s been nice getting back into a normal rhythm around here. That usually means reaching for the same few things without thinking too hard about it.

Our Woven Belts have been heavy in the rotation again lately. Easy to wear and familiar in the best way. If you’re itching to get your hands on one (or two), now’s a great time. We’re launching our Valentine’s Day ‘Bundle and Save’ sale on Sunday. Great time to treat yourself or forward that email to a special someone and drop a hint... Just throwin’ that out there!

2. Book of the Week: Blue Highways

I picked up Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon not too long ago and have been enjoying it recently. It’s about a series of backroad trips across the country, avoiding interstates and sticking to the slower routes.

The stories are about people, places, and small towns you usually pass right by. Made me remember that there is a lot worth noticing once you get off the beaten path a bit. Solid choice for an audiobook if you have some miles ahead of you.

3. Worth Checking Out: Forth Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is in full swing, and it’s one of those events that’s deeply rooted in the Texan way of life, and you can feel it when you’re there.

Livestock shows, rodeo nights, long days in your boots, and plenty of character all around. It’s been going strong since 1896, which feels like a good indicator that some traditions stick for a reason. Worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood.

4. Brand I’m Eyeing: Imogene and Willie

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Imogene and Willie and the way they focus so intently on making damn good products here in America. Thoughtful design, quality materials, and zero shortcuts. It’s the kind of brand ethos I’m drawn to.

One thing that really caught my attention recently was their Cotton Project Tee - a shirt made with cotton that’s farmed regeneratively, then ginned, spun, milled, and sewn entirely in the USA, all within a roughly 400-mile radius across the South. That level of intention is rare and worth applauding.

I’m also an avid Pinterest-er (not sure that’s a real word), and the algorithm served me one of their ads the other day for a Higonokami folding knife that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. Their apparel may be their bread and butter, but that knife got me. Well played.

5. Weekend Wisdom: Maya Angelou

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

This one stuck out to me a bit. Nothing flashy about it. Just a steady reminder that progress usually comes from paying attention and making small adjustments as you go.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for tuning in and stay warm out there. Appreciate you being here, as always.

On to the weekend.

Cheers,
JM

Jon-Mark Craddock
CEO

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Originally sent through JM's Substack on 2026-01-30.