Homer’s Odyssey

Tommy Bahama, Chaps, Ralph Lauren, Coach, A/X Armani Exchange, Ralph Lauren Footwear – Homer Montecito founder Terry Pillow has been around the block. More recently, the gentleman has rediscovered what the block is for. 

“Yeah, we sit outside,” Terry sings in his unhurried, melodious accent. The man’s southern purr is a rocks glass of barrel-aged bourbon. Neat. “We have a table and a few chairs, and people love to hang out down here. We’ve kind of changed the complexion of the street.” You can say that again. When Terry speaks you feel you’re already recumbent. 

On Nov. 29 singular luxury handbag maker Homer Montecito threw a small shebang to celebrate three years in business on Coast Village Road. Terry and co-owner/master leather artisan Steven Soria invited a few friends over to the cozy Homer grotto (1129 Coast Village Road), a deliciously enfolding space of burnt umber overtones redolent of fine leather and indeterminate spices. And you can buy stuff there. 

“Yeah, we had about 50 people here,” Terry sighs. “We had the McKinney Family Winery, they’re a big supporter of ours. We had good friends and a good time, and everybody was in real good mood.” Good! What’s not to love? 

Homer Montecito’s progress since opening three years ago has been that of a full-grain, oak-tan, saddle leather rocket. Third-generation leather craftsman Steven Soria’s having been made a full partner late last year can’t have hurt. 

“I was running a company called Make Smith,” Steven says, “and it was better overall to not just bring me in, but to merge the two. I started designing this product line for Terry eight years ago now, was his right-hand guy. As these bigger projects came up it just made more sense to have me as part owner.” That artisanal consolidation seems to have worked. And then there is the Land Rover gig. Terry relaxedly explains.

“I have a Land Rover, and we had an event here about a month or so ago. They had about 50 Land Rovers down on Chase Palm Park beach. We lined them all up out there on a Saturday, had a big deal. We did a key chain as an invite, really beautiful leather, stamped it for ‘em. They really appreciated it. We’re in conversation with them about doing a Homer Land Rover.” Holy cow.

“We’re just happy to be here,” Steven says. “We’ve got a good team and we’re stronger than we’ve ever been. We’d like to say to everyone come down, have a glass of wine and enjoy a conversation.”

“You know what they say,” Terry purrs. “It’s not a look, it’s a lifestyle.”