Okay, gather ’round. I’ve got one of those “how have I not told you about this place yet” finds for you.
Tucked off the beaten path on N. 17th Street, there’s a guy named Justin Hinojosa quietly running one of the coolest little shops in town: High Noon Leather. Sixteen years of leatherwork experience, hands like a craftsman, and a calendar that’s booked solid three months out — and somehow stays that way. You read that right. The man is busier than a green chile roaster in September, and there’s a reason for it.
Ask Justin what he loves most, and he’ll tell you straight: saddle repair. That’s his happy place. While the rest of us are trying to figure out what to do with our Saturday, this guy is fixing up someone’s beloved old saddle and grinning the whole time.
But here’s where it gets fun — saddles are just the start.
Justin makes custom leather caps. He makes graduation caps (yes, real ones, leather, for actual graduations — imagine walking that stage). He turns old cowboy boots into boot-top purses, builds leather picture frames, and somewhere along the way became the unofficial Santa Belt Guy of southern New Mexico. Custom Santa belts. That’s a sentence I didn’t expect to write today, and yet here we are, and honestly? It rules.
The shop itself is tiny and easy to miss — 401 N. 17th Street, Suite B6 — which adds to the whole “you found the secret” vibe. Step inside and it smells like leather and craftsmanship and somebody who actually gives a damn about his work. Beyond his own pieces, he also carries TRUTH Saddlery custom performance saddles and tack. So whether you need a saddle rebuilt, a belt that’ll outlive you, a one-of-a-kind purse, or a Santa suit upgrade for December, Justin’s your guy.
Fair warning: he’s booked out. So if you’ve got a Christmas project, a graduation gift, or a saddle that’s been sitting in the garage giving you the side-eye — call now, not in November.
Check out his socials to see his exquisite craftsmanship! Facebook · Instagram · TikTok
High Noon Leather
401 N. 17th Street, Suite B6, Las Cruces
(575) 520-4080
Mon–Fri 8:30a–5p · Sat 10a–2p
Tell him Live Love Las Cruces sent you.
