With the present state of the Nigerian economy, it is no surprise to see youths work one, two, or more jobs just to make ends meet. The foresighted ones learn lucrative skills and self-develop themselves to secure their future.
Adewale Temitayo Oluwafemi, known as Mr Joy, is a part-two student in the Department of English Language. Like many prescient youths, he also has a skill that keeps him financially afloat in school.
Mr Joy repairs and makes shoes for a living, and he has proven his mastery of the craft as credenced in the array of customers his art has attracted. As a cobbler, he works with total dedication.
In a conversation with an InFocus News correspondent, Mr Joy shared his experience as a cobbler.
When did you start this business?
I started properly in 2022, although I’ve been in the business for over 10 years.
What challenges have you faced so far in this trade, and how do you juggle school and work? How do you manage to ensure timely deliveries?
Well, there are lots of challenges I faced a cobbler. Working for a client and they might be like, ‘This is not perfect.’ I once got an order and I delivered it. Some days later, the person came to me and said I haven’t delivered. I had to buy a new slide for them.
What keeps you going, and why do you have a passion for making footwear?
What keeps me going is my family. Sometimes, when I feel like giving up, I remember what is ahead, I just don’t have a choice but to keep on. I am passionate about making footwear because I love creativity. I also want to make people comfortable and step into elegance (walking in royalty matters to me).
What type of footwear repairs and customisation do you specialise in?
I make and repair all forms of footwear (both locally and internationally made).
How do you assess if footwear should be repaired or replaced?
It takes critical thinking and analysis. That is why they call me ‘shoe doctor.’ I look out for various things that will inform my decision on whether a client needs to replace or repair their shoes.
What’s the most challenging job you’ve ever worked on and how did you handle it?
The most challenging work I’ve done was for a client last year. When I initially started on the footwear, I noticed that it was a difficult style to make, and that was my first time doing something like that, but it turned out great, and the client loved it.
How would you advise customers on footwear care?
Footwears differ as they come in different sizes, designs and materials, and ways of taking care of them differ, too. I do give my clients footwear tips based on their footwear and its condition. My advice for all customers is not the same, though.
How do you stay updated on new shoe-making/repair techniques?
Well, I’m a YouTube lover. I get new ideas and innovations from YouTube and dedicate my time to visiting other shoe designers just to learn new things.
In a nutshell, Mr Joy is one of the many resourceful students navigating the challenges of academic life while pursuing a passion-driven hustle. His dedication to shoe-making and repair showcases his craftsmanship and his determination to create a better future for himself.