A 35-year-old “woman shoemaker”, is doing something extraordinary in Labadi; when her husband travels, she takes care of his shoemaking business all by herself.
Afia Kyaa makes new shoes and fixes torn sandals and shoes with her skilled hands.
For Afia Kyaa, the art of crafting shoes and sandals was not a path she initially set out on, but her husband’s frequent travels left her with the responsibility of managing the family business. She found herself stepping into her husband’s shoes, quite literally and took on the task with unwavering determination.
Afia Kyaa’s focus on mending and preserving footwear has played a role in challenging gender stereotypes. “Some people were initially surprised when I started fixing torn sandals, thinking it was more suitable for a man”, she recalled. “But once they saw the quality of my work, their doubts vanished.
Her repair services have helped her stay connected with customers, with customers not only appreciating the cost-effectiveness of repairing rather than replacing but also admiring the care she puts into every stitch. Residents now seek her assistance with their damaged footwear, knowing that Afia Kyaa’s expertise will extend the lifespan of their sandals and save them from buying new ones. “Her repairs are impeccable” praised a satisfied customer. “I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my torn sandals”.
However, the road to success hasn’t been without obstacles. According to her, it has not been easy for her at all because some people still don’t think a woman can do this job well, so they don’t come to her shop. And for those who come too, they don’t want to pay the fair price she charges for her hard work.
Despite these challenges, Afia Kyaa keeps going with determination. She knows she may not know everything about designing shoes as her husband, but she is familiar with some parts of it.
Afia Kyaa remains resolute and aims to bridge the gender gap in the shoemaking industry. “I want to prove that women are equally capable of excelling in any field. I have a passion for this business, and I won’t let stereotypes hold me back,” she said.
Afia Kyaa’s work is inspiring to many. She’s not only making beautiful shoes and sandals but also showing that women can excel in any field. She’s breaking stereotypes and proving that with passion and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams.
According to her, one thing that she is good at is fixing torn shoes and sandals. Many people love to bring their old scandals to her because she sews them back together so well. Her repairs are so good that you can hardly tell the difference between the original and the mended pair.
Speaking to Mrs. Addo, a resident of La as well as a customer of Afia Kyaa, she confirmed that Afia Kyaa has been making incredibly well in her husband’s business. “The quality of the shoes and sandals she produces is top-notch,” Mrs. Addo shared.
Her skills in both shoemaking and repairing have earned her a loyal following in the community. People trust her to make their old sandals look new again.
“My work is not just about fixing things; it’s about adding uniqueness and comfort to each pair” Afia Kyaa added.
In a world where people often throw things away, Afia Kyaa’s focus on craftsmanship and sustainability is refreshing. She’s making a positive impact on her community and proving that skill and talent have no gender limits.
