Sandal maker aims high

At age 26, Lionel Town, Clarendon resident, Chantal Lewis, is setting her sights on becoming one of the next generation of Jamaican footwear designers.

Her handmade leather sandals caught everyone's attention at the recent launch of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee, held at Palmers Cross Primary School in the parish.

Originally from Savannah Cross, Lewis told CENTRAL STAR that she developed an interest in crafts by watching her uncle, who makes bags from calabash, leather, wool or thread; but she preferred making sandals.

"I have been making sandals on and off for three years now," she said, pointing to the pair on her feet. "I am self-taught; I go online for tips and to look at shapes and styles."

Lewis says the process is time-consuming but it's worth it because her customers love them as they are affordable, neat and last a long time.

"I would like to see my sandal business grow big but I also want to expand my brand into clothing and other items and make a significant mark on the local and overseas market," she told CENTRAL STAR.

The sandals feature comfort and a classy, trendy style, and among her regular customers is her younger sister, Ca-Deiva Clarke.

As with every new business, she is off to a slow start but prospects are good as the customer base is growing and everyone is happy with her product so far.

Lewis also had her uncle's handbags and a lamp made from fudge sticks alongside her display of sandals at the launch.