July 19 - 21, 2024 TLC Stars and Stripes Run www.tarheelleatherclub.org
July 21, 2024 The Line Presentation Walk_TheLine_NC https://fetlife.com/users/17648668     
August 25, 2024 CASE Jolted But Not Broken
August 29, 2024 - September 2, 2024 Master/slave Conference
October 5, 2024 PRISM Alfred Pennyworth Style of Powerful Service Wilmington NC
October 12 - 13, 2024 Atlanta Pride
November 21 - 24, 2024 Coastal Carolina Fetish Fair Myrtle Beach SC
November 24, 2024 CASE Have You Ever Danced with Your Demons
December 7, 2024 The Chamber Kinston NC
January 12, 2025 MAsT Greenville SC Jolted But Not Broken
February 8, 2025 The Woodshed Orlando FL - Tenative

As we look back and reflect on our contestant journey for SELF 2024 we are reminded of our
growth as Master and slave. Winning the Southeast Master/slave title is a culmination of many
years starting in 2006 when we first met at a coffee shop in Jacksonville NC after chatting online on Bondage.com for several months. Neither of us is from large cities nor areas, we live in a small community where many know very little about leather.

Winning the Southeast Master/slave title was amazing, exhilarating, and very humbling with a sprinkle of “Oh Shit We did it, now what do we do.? We have now spent the last couple of weeks formulating our plan to represent the Southeast as best we can.

One thing we look forward to doing in our title year is working on shining a light on the smaller rural communities like where we live, they are often not known in the larger community, they lack the same resources as larger communities, and many may not even know that events such
as self is something they can do. How can we help those in smaller communities have the needed access to larger events and how do we help them utilize those larger events to help them on their journey? In doing this we also want to continue to spread the word on SAFEINENC and help communities establish their safe call network. We also want to continue to share our passion for advocating for the needed mental healthcare in our community to include those who are veterans.
We know all of this sounds like a lot but all of this is a huge passion of ours and something we want to share with others.

All that we are and all that we plan to do in our title year would not be possible without the
support of many, and the opportunity that SELF has afforded us. So...First, we would like to
thank Southeast Leather Fest and Lady Catherine Gross, the board, staff, volunteers, and all
the sponsors, you gave your heart and tens of thousands of hours to create an amazing event
and contest year after year. We are so grateful for everything you do for the community.

We also want to say thank you and give a loud shout-out to Ms. Bettie for being our handler
before, during, and after the event! You always have kept a cool, collected composure, and
during SELF 2024 you were a beacon of light which was needed in unexpected ways. Thank
you to the Emcee Dave Hudson who provided all the constants with support and love, plus
some great comic relief which is always needed.

Thank you to the Den Mafia, we have no idea how any of us would have made it through this contest without you! You all were on point, and there for any of our needs, the Den Mafia is such an invaluable part of this experience, and we cannot thank you enough.

With the support and encouragement of the local Jacksonville NC community, we put our best foot forward and ran for the 2024 M/s title. Thank you to our amazing local community for all the support you have given us.

To our family both biological and chosen you are the best family we could ask for. To our adult
biological children, you were supporting and encouraging as we embarked on this journey of
running for the M/s Title. We love you! Our Chosen Family consisting of, Master Roy and ABJ
who took us under your wing many years ago, provided mentorship which has been a huge part of our growth. There are no words that can express how grateful we are. We love you! Poe, Master Chris, and slave dana, you are the best chosen family anyone could ask for.

To the judges Oracle Uncle J Onyx, Mark Athens, Tomo Tomo, Joy Perez, Miss Meesch, and Evie Lupine. We cannot say enough about the wisdom you shared, and we look forward to seeing all of you again soon!

A HUGE Thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this point as well as those who will continue to help us on this next journey.

It has been a crazy few months, We have been busy in our local community in helping provide a safe and inclusive space for people to socialize and play. The difference between now and what we did before is we bring not only the title back but loads of information on the amazing learning and experiences one can have at SouthEast LeatherFest so more people can experience SELF. We were able to spend time and be a part of Tarheel Leather Run, which was amazing experience showing us the continued love, support and sense of family that we have come to know in the Southeast Region. We have also had great times attending and teaching for newer organizations such as CASE and PRISM, where we shared elements of our relationship that have helped on our Journey. Being Master Aaron is quite the comic book geek we were even able to show how we have used fictional characters and roles such as that of Alfred Pennyworth to expand how people view service from both the Master and slave perspective. We also have been using our title and the ability it gives us to attend groups, socials, munches and events that we have never attended which in turn allows us to not only share with others the speed bump we have tackled in our M/s dynamic but also the rewards and successes. It has also allowed us the opportunity to talk more about the importance of supporting those living with PTSD with additional emphasis on first responders and veterans.

As we are always spreading the word about the importance of safe calls and utilizing organizations such as SAFEINENC if you need a safe call, we also partnered with SAFEINENC to do a fundraising campaign for those recently affected by Hurricane Helen.

Coming up we are VERY excited to be heading to Atlanta Pride this coming weekend. We are also heading to CAPEX the end of the month, Coastal Carolina Fetish Fair in November where we will also be teaching and hosting a formal dinner. Closer to home we will be presenting online for CASE and heading right up the road to Kinston NC to present for The Chamber.

August 3, 2024 PALS Bastinado in Pensacola, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1555321
August 10, 2024 Rack Room Bootblacking 101 in Milton, FL
August 17, 2024 LBT Mummification in Mobile, AL https://fetlife.com/events/1560023
August 31, 2024 The Vulgarians Bootblacking 101 in Tallahasse, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1541237
September 21, 2024 Vendor Faire in Tallahasse, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1482912
October 4 - 5, 2024 PALS Ample Samples in Milton, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1464216
October 19, 2024 Second Annual Fire Day Bootblacking in Robertsdale, AL https://fetlife.com/events/1594348
October 22nd CASE Munch Panhandle Chapter in Robertsdale, AL https://fetlife.com/events/1604149 
November 2, 2024 PALS Monthly Demo in Pensacola, FL
November 9, 2024 Levi and Leather Bootblacking at The Roundup in Pensacola, FL
November 16, 2024 LBT Presenting Gas Masks in Mobile, AL
November 19, 2024 CASE Munch Panhandle Chapter in Pensacola, FL
December 5 -8, 2024 Florida Power Exchange Bootblacking in Tampa Bay, FL https://fetlife.com/events/1495185

What a journey the last year and some change has been. The decision to run started at South
Plains LeatherFest 2023 after sitting in on a class. Shortly after the class I had taken the time to
speak with a few different individuals at the event to include title holders, bootblacks, and
producers. After speaking with each I sat with my Ma'am and asked for her permission to run.
She glowed and simply responded, “You got this and I got you.” Those simple words gave me a
bit of reassurance. I wasn’t confident about it but felt that with Ma'am supporting me I could do
this.

Once back home I started letting friends, family and community know that I had decided that I
was going to be running for SouthEast Bootblack the following year. The amount of support,
love, and reassuring words swept over me like a tidal wave. I was shocked by it all. Each and
every person gave a very similar statement, “How can I help?” I was once again shocked as my
people gave money, items, or physical aid for the coming year.

With a renewed confidence boost I started to get ready. Then SELF 2024 finally arrived. Then it
was over. The weekend was a blur. It started and ended so fast that I am not sure what
happened at some points. At the end of SELF I was given the opportunity to represent SELF as
the SE Bootblack.

I was filled with a mix of emotions. Some emotions I expected such as joy, validation, success,
and excitement. The emotions I didn't expect were fear, nervousness, and unease. It took me a
few days after the event to finally realize why I was feeling these emotions. I was worried that I
wasn't going to be enough and that I would not honor the title that had been given to me. My
Ma'am once again reassured me and reminded me that I was picked to represent the title by not
a few but by the community at SELF. They believed that I could honor the title. With this
reassuring thought the fear, nervousness, and unease backed away, still there but controlled
and held back.

So a big thanks to SELF, Lady Catherine Gross, and her staff for everything they have done and
continue to do. This event would not feel like home without all the things you each do. SELF
feels like a warm embrace each time I go and I know it has to do with those who work it.
Thank you to all of judges. You all had a hard task and I thank you all so much for choosing me
to serve as the SE Bootblack this next year. I promise to do my best and earn the honor you
have given to me.

Thank you to the Den Mafia, slave abby and Bea Uty. Y'all where so amazing with making sure
we started each event on time and supported us when we needed it. In addition those fans
where fantastic and really helped battle that Atlanta heat.

A huge thanks to boy Dave for all of the insight you gave over this weekend. Your words of
wisdom, insight, and keen eye helped so much over the weekend. I will not forget all the help.
A big thank you to my leather family, community, and friends. Your support through this last year
and during the event where instrumental in my success. I promise to do you proud and to
represent the Emerald Coast with the best of my abilities.

The biggest of thanks to my Ma'am. You are amazing and this weekend went so smooth. You
did everything with a broken foot. I am so thankful that you where at the event. Your words
helped me through the weekend and your lap was a safe place for my tears when my anxiety
peaked.

So what is next for this bootblack? Well I will be going to The Red Chair for Leather weekend
this month. I plan to attend most of my local area events for the next few months. I have been
asked to present in Tallahassee in August which really excites me to teach about Bootblacking. I
am looking forward to more teaching opportunities to come up as well.

If you are interested in having me come out your way please feel free to contact me. I would
love to get the chance to present all over the south east and further.
Email SE.bootblack2024@gmail.com
Facebook Keriis
FetLife Keriis

It is already October and how the time has flown by so far. Over the last few months I have had quite a few opportunities to get out and show people my passion for bootblacking and leather care. I love the look I see when I explain how easy basic leather care can be.

So where and what have I done these last few months. Well over the course of the last three months I have taught my Leather Care 101 class three different times to quite a few people. I taught at my local Dungeon, The Rack Room to get some of the cobwebs knocked out from teaching, then onto Tallahassee where I taught to a group called The Vulgarians, and finished the teaching of the class with an online class with CASE. Each time I taught the class I was able to find a few things to tweak the class and make it better. All three groups want me to come back and teach the next stage. I am very excited to be able to do that for them in the next couple of months.

Besides teaching I have done quite a bit more bootblacking for the local and nearby communities. I was at Levi and Leather night at The Round Up in Pensacola and have been asked to return again in November to do it again. In addition I have been out to Tallahassee for a vendor faire where I was given a few take home projects along with working the stand.

In addition to this, I have had a few bootblack labs at my home with a few individuals who I am mentoring. Working with these individuals and seeing them grow and gain the skills brings great joy to my heart. One of my mentees came with me to one of my bootblack events and did drop of leather for me while I worked the stand. It was amazing to see them grow and gain some confidence in what they are doing.

Overall I am very excited for what I have done and am more so excited for all the things to come. Hopefully I will get some more opportunities to teach in the future. Anyone interested in me coming out to teach or doing online classes please let me know. I would absolutely love to share my skills, knowledge, and my passion with more people.

July 12 - 14, 2024 Leather Weekend at The Red Chair
July 19 - 21,  2024 TLC Stars and Stripes Run www.tarheelleatherclub.org
Oct 5 - 6, 2024 PALS 2024 Annual Ample Samples
Nov 8-9 2024 Leather History Preservation Weekend
Nov 16 2024 Citadel of Kink Social Stafford Virginia
Dec 5-6 2024 Florida Power Exchange www.floridapowerexchange.com
Dec 7, 2024 Casa de la Unicorn Social Event
Feb 14-16 2025 Western Canada Bootblack Contest Calgary Alberta CA
March 8 2025 SMART Educational Presentation Biloxi MS
March 9 2025 MasT: Biloxi Educational Presentation Biloxi MS
March 20-23 2025 South Plains LeatherFest www.southplainsleatherfest.com
April 5-6, 2025 Knoxville Tenn
May 15-18 2025 Frolicon www.frolicon.com

Wow what a couple of weeks it has been?! I am so excited to be writing my first column! This is my favorite part of being a SELF Titleholder. I relish the opportunity to share this journey with all of you.

Making the decision to run for Mr. SELF 2024 was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. To do this, I knew I would have to give up something I love more than anything, being part of the SELF Den Mafia. I talked with my family, my friends, and my SELF family, and the decision was that I had something I needed to say, and it was important to get it out there. From the moment I made the decision to run, it was never about winning, it was that there was someone out there who needed to hear what I had to say. I wanted to speak to that person, whoever they were. To do that, I knew I was going to need to open myself up and leave every vulnerable piece of me on that stage. I feel like I did that. I spoke to that person who needed to hear me.

Hearing my name called Saturday night was a moment that will live with me forever. I felt heard and seen in ways I could never express. I learned that it’s okay to be exactly who I am in exactly the space I need to be in. I struggled in the weeks leading up to the contest with the fact that I knew I was going to change my name. There was a lot of worry over how my family and friends were going to react. See, this was my fourth name change during this journey of self-discovery. I expected there to be some kind of negative reaction, instead what you gave me was acceptance and love poured out to me as I made my way offstage with tears in my eyes. I can never adequately express what that meant to me. I love you all will have to suffice for now.

There are so many people I need to thank. First, I want to thank the SELF Board, Staff, Volunteers, and Sponsors. Without each and every one of you, there is no way we would have the home we have. Thank you to the whole contestant class of 2024, the way we bonded was beautiful. Thank you to the Den Mafia, you did a fantastic job in a very demanding role. Thank you to this years judging panel, you gave of your time and energy in such amazing ways. Thank you to everyone who donated to my auction baskets, bought raffle tickets, and in varied other ways supported our titleholder travel fund. You all really came through for all of us in huge ways.

Thank you to my leather siblings, Tarheel Leather Club, and my Unsupervised Chaos family. Without your full-throated and enthusiastic support this would never have happened. To my polycule, thank you for being willing to walk through this with me, for listening to my speech a thousand times until you knew it as well or better than I did. Finally, thank you to my friends and family from every part of this country who helped in so many ways, from countless rewrites to the most intense interview prep imaginable. Without every single person listed above I wouldn’t be writing this today.

I began my appearances the Saturday after SELF with a trip to Pride Winston Salem. Up next is Leather Weekend with The Red Chair and then the Tarheel Leather Club Stars and Stripes run this month. It’s gonna be a fun hot July!
Accept yourself, wherever you are is where you’re meant to be! Can’t wait to see you all on the road!
In Leather and Love,
Sir Andrew
Mr. SELF 2024

Oct 2024

It has absolutely been and eye-opening and amazing three months since my last column. There have been surprises that rendered me speechless, there have been disappointments that left me in tears, and there has been joy that has left me breathless with laughter. Every day of this year so far has brought me closer and closer to who and what I am becoming. I taught classes where my audience taught me every bit as much as I taught them. I met so many new people hanging out on the smoking decks. I have made plans for events I’m super excited for, please look at my Calendar of Events and see where I’m going to be this year!

July started with a Leather Weekend for The Red Chair in Birmingham, Alabama. Together with my boy, I taught Erotic Bootblacking and Spanking 101, 2 of my very favorite classes. We were also asked to sit on a panel about Leather history, journeys, and myths. There was so much laughter and fun had as we showed that it’s okay to be silly sometimes. I am extremely grateful to have been hosted by TRC and my Alabama family.

From there I moved directly into the chaos that comes with being the Run Master for my Leather Club, The Tarheels. It was a great weekend and it led to my favorite picture of my title year so far. Imagine your oh so serious, scary Mr. SELF standing there in his cover and title sash while wearing a Yoda onesie, holding an inflatable lightsaber. Seeing that image in your head? Yes, it was that funny. Representing SELF and the title in my home bar was so meaningful.

I took some time off in August to enjoy my birthday month and spend time with some family. There is nothing more important during a title year than knowing when to take a break. If I could give one piece of advice to current and future titleholders, that would be it. Recognize when you need to take a little time off to recharge. There were moments where I was really struggling with imposter syndrome. I was asked to do an important thing next year and it took me a while to understand that I was worthy of it. No matter where you are on your journey, we all wonder from time to time if we belong or if we’re on the right path. I still struggle, but I’m feeling more confident.

I spent the first weekend of October in Pensacola, Florida for PALS Ample Samples. I had such a fun time! Everyone welcomed me with open arms. This was my first event in Florida in years, and the hospitality was flawless. So many new friends, so many laughs, and a scene that was so much fun I giggled through the whole thing. Then before flying out, the SELF bootblack and his Ma’am took me to stick my feet in the Gulf of Mexico and I got to play in the water! Plus, I saw jellyfish on the beach that were so neat, LOL.

Coming up the rest of this year, I will be in Atlanta for Leather History Preservation Weekend in November. In December I will be headed back to Florida for two events: Florida Power Exchange and Casa De La Unicorns Decadent December Social. I am so looking forward to the things I have coming, and I have no doubt that they will be as amazing as the times past. Talk to y’all again in a couple of months! Love yourself where you are. Accept the changes you see in yourself and in others! And don’t forget to take a look at the contestant application and consider running next year, we want to see you on our stage!

June 29, 2024 - CAPEX June Event Fundraiser  https://fetlife.com/events/1527931
August 29 - September 2, 2024 - Master/slave Conference - College Park, MD  https://masterslaveconference.org
October 10 - 13, 2024 - DomCon New Orleans, LA
October 27th 2024 - Atlanta Learning and Development Munch Atlanta Ga https://fetlife.com/users/19443517/posts/11330640
November 2nd, 2024 QTBIPOC Discussion Panel Atlanta Ga
November 8-10 2024, Kinky Harvest Virtual Killeen, Tx https://www.ctxdarkside.com/about
December 5 - 8, 2024 - Florida Power Exchange  https://www.floridapowerexchange.com/
January 2025 Carter/Johnson Library Evansville, In https://m.facebook.com/CarterJohnsonLibrary/
March, 2025 South Plains Leatherfest Dallas, Tx
May 2025 - Frolicon Atlanta, GA?
June, 2025 SELF
August, 2025 MsC

I remember a time in my life when my goals were tiny. I could see to the next hour, maybe to the next day. Setting a future goal was beyond me. I prepared for my title run for six months ahead of the competition. I am in awe of the growth I’ve experienced. I have come so far.

Winning the title felt like an expression of my gratitude towards the village I created. There were so many folks who talked to me, explained to me, even chastised me. They poured into me because they believed in me. I was able to show that their belief was warranted. As a titleholder, I look forward to being useful in kink spaces and sharing my love for SELF as a place where I feel at home.

There were several lessons that I took away with me. One is that I can be vulnerable. I can let folks hear my stories and know My path. Another is that the pace is EXACTLY as hectic as E/everyone says. Food and rest are life!

I am thankful for so many things. My handler team was so fluid and responsive. Also, the SELF planning team, the administrators and the volunteers really cared for all of U/us. A special thank you to Master Varii of House of Valor. Thank you, Ma’am, You saw me, first, last, and always.

This year is going to be great and I look forward to seeing you all in your cities and back in Atlanta in 2025!

During the Atlanta Leather Pride weekend, at the beginning of this month, I mistepped off the platform at the Atlanta Eagle. As I stumbled, I was able to grab a tall, handsome stranger and hold onto him. While I gathered my composure, the person patted my arm and spoke soothingly, saying, you’re fine, it’s ok. I then received a rush of comfort and assistance from friends and acquaintances that I made over the weekend.

That reaction is typical of the comraderie and good vibes I have encountered during my time as a titleholder, thus far. It’s always such fun for me to forge connections between strangers with commonalities. Creating a NEXUS, if you will. Lol. I consider myself to be an introducer-in-chief. I keep in mind that social interacting is unattractive for some, and try to use my skill on behalf of folks who want to people, but struggle.

I find that one aspect of being a titleholder that is particularly enjoyable, is the chances I get to have wonderful conversations. Whether at virtual munches and classes, or at in person gatherings, I have been able to share myself. I talk about why I enjoy SELF, when the presenter applications are due, (October 15th!) what leather is in my life, and what my travel plans are. I'm very grateful that I can let people get to know me. Also, the titleholder community is so wide-dpread and interesting. Being part of such an encouraging and supportive sash family is a surprising bonus I didn’t expect to get.