In the recent years, the Kenyan leather industry has tremendous growth especially for independent crafters, with the growing demand for products inspired by trends in fashion, self-expression and for its durability.
Owing to the abundance of raw material and renewed government support for manufacturers, this trade is thriving in Kenyan and international markets. However, despite being a lucrative avenue, leather crafting has its challenges such as high production costs, imitation and limited access to international markets.
WoK caught up with one Kenyan leather crafter, Evelyn Muiru, owner of Solana Leather Craft and Design based in Kitengela, Nairobi. Her products comprise of shoes, boots, wallets , bags and belts. She shares how it all began, her inspiration, challenges and her plans to open a leather crafting training school.
Currently running a masterclass in shoemaking, Muiru delves into the making of leather crafter and designer and how to leverage one’s skills into profit.
How did you start in leather crafting?
Well,I was inspired to do leather articles out of it being a family business as my parents run a leather tannery where they process from raw leather to finished leather whics is then used to make the bags,shoes,wallets and belts .
What inspired you to get into leather crafting, and how did you develop your skills?
I love creating beautiful and unique products,so I just chose to go the leather way because it gives some class and you can play around with the leather to create anything.
What materials do you typically use in your work, or any specific leather type? And how do you ensure your products’ durability?
I only use genuine leather as my material for my products because I believe it is durable.
What challenges have you faced in the shoemaking industry, and how have you overcome them?
The shoe industry has some challenges, especially that now we have the imported china shoes. That is the major challenge. I overcome this by making quality and unique designs that beat the imported one’s durability.
What is the most rewarding part of being a leather craft designer for you?
Being your own boss is very rewarding because it gives you the liberty to create whatever you feel like from your creativity.
How do you balance creativity with the practical aspects of running a business?
Well,you have to understand what the market wants first then with that you can be creative in that specific area.
You can create what you think is nice, but it’s not marketable so it will be a problem in terms of sales .
You said you are holding a masterclass on shoemaking. What is one piece of advice you tell aspiring leather crafters who are just starting out?
As of our today’s economy,if you have a skill, it is better than just waiting for employment that is hard to find.
My advice is, learning a skill is a plus because you will run your own business no matter how bad the economy is and you can earn and actually it pays.
Have you seen any changes in consumer demand or preferences in leather products recently? What are some trends most consumers are gravitating towards?
Well,the market is seasonal so you have to work with the trends and pocket friendly products.
Bags and sandals are really doing well as of this point.
You have to have ears on the ground always, so that you can create what the market demands.
What are your future plans for your brand?
Solana was started in 2013 and we have big plans for the company one of them being starting a training institute for leather articles.
Intake for the Solana’s masterclass in shoemaking is currently ongoing and will offer training in the following areas: design, cutting, skiving, attaching, stitching and finishing.
Taught in six modules, aspiring leather crafters will learn the art of sketching shoe designs, material preparation, cutting techniques, the sewing and assembly process, molding and adding final touches to the product.
