In this episode Katie speaks to Caroline Groves, a fellow Cordwainer and master shoemaker, her brand is internationally renowned for luxury craftsmanship in shoes and accessories. Her work seeks to blur the lines between fashion, art and fantasy, often combining embroidery and needlepoint. She believes there are many ways to make a shoe and it is as much to do with the heart as the head.

Katie and Caroline discuss her craft influences and journey into the footwear industry. The challenges and lesson’s learnt along the way, from the importance of doing due diligence and the positive impact of PR. With wonderful personal anecdotes about the singular difference a good client can make to a bespoke business. Can you guess what happened to the polka dot shoes?

They touch on issues of supply and sustainability around leather, from vegetable tanning in the UK, to quality and traceability from Italy. She also highlights the importance of networking, mentoring and support between craft artisans. Listen to find out more about she gives back, by sharing her knowledge and working with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to support an apprenticeship in her own workshop.

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This podcast is produced by Audio Coast