Our History
José Dajer (1917–2019)
Founder and visionary behind our family’s leather belt tradition in the Dominican Republic, and above all, a devoted family man.
My Grandpa
José Dajer Arida was born in 1917 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. His parents came from Safra, Lebanon, arriving by ship in search of a better life.
From a young age, he was extremely hardworking, persuasive, and had a natural ability to connect with people. He worked for many years in a hat shop and later ran a boarding house for salespeople. That habit of working, showing up, and staying involved never left him.
As far back as I can remember, my grandfather went to the belt factory every single day. Because of his age, I always thought he went mostly to just spend time there. But in 2011, I had the chance to work with him and saw something unforgettable.
At 94 years old, he was still actively running the day-to-day walk-in business, welcoming customers, helping them choose products, setting prices, and keeping track of everything from his desk. His dedication made a big impression on me. He showed me what hard work, responsibility, and dedication really mean.
1967 – The Beginning
The business started in 1967, in the home of José Dajer Arida’s parents in Ensanche La Fe, Dominican Republic.
José started out on his own, making belts with elastic materials. Later, he began using synthetic materials as well. As demand grew, he opened a small workshop and hired four local artisans to help him. Most of the materials were sourced locally.
What started as a small family business at home later grew into a well-known belt company in the Dominican Republic.
The Early Years
In the early years, making each belt took time, care, and a lot of hands-on work. Leather, buckles, and other materials were mostly bought from local suppliers.
José paid close attention to quality and to every small detail. The products carried his family name, so he wanted them to be made well and to last.
As the business grew, the tools and way of working changed, but the main values stayed the same: responsibility, honesty, quality, durability, and respect for every customer.
A New Era of Craftsmanship
During the 1980s, the business entered a new stage.
The company started using more genuine leather, first buying hides in the Dominican Republic and later bringing in leather and buckles from other countries.
In the years that followed, the belts became increasingly known for their exceptional quality and durability. By the late 1990s, the business had expanded throughout the Dominican Republic.
Even as the business grew, making strong, well-made products remained at the center of everything.
A New Chapter – Canada
I’m Samuel Dajer. My family and I moved from the Dominican Republic to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2022, and since then, we have been lucky enough to call Canada home.
One of the nicest surprises has been seeing how much Canadians love the Dominican Republic, not only for its beaches and resorts, but also for its warm people, culture, and traditions.
Dajer Leatherworks is our way of bringing a small part of that heritage to Canada. Our family has been making leather belts in the Dominican Republic since 1967, guided by the hard work, pride, and values of my grandfather, José Dajer.
Each piece reflects the care, experience, and pride that have shaped our family’s work for generations. We are proud to share that story and continue what began many years ago.