Souraka Diakite acquired the knowledge and skills of leatherwork from his father and uncle at age seven. He belongs to the Peul ethnic group which is renouned for its intricate leatherwork. Prior to establishing his own business he taught at Bamako's National Institute of Art. Today he is the Master Leatherworker and has six apprentices working for him. Souraka began working with new ideas in 1985 and has gone one step beyond by making functionally beautiful contemporary designs. It is his ambition to export his products. He has had the opportunity to present his exquisite leather products at a trade fair in France.

Bamboula Ltd, a U.S.-based importer of contemporary African handcrafts began carrying Souraka's products in 2000.