Styling feet

Shoes have that amazing ability to give you a bit of confidence, comfort and elegance, all rolled into one. This is one accessory that gives you that extra edge when you need it, and over the years, footwear has become an almost vital aspect of an individual’s attire and appearance. And among the many international brands and varied styles and designs available, we have one of our very own shoe producers rapidly making his mark, creating quite a significant “brand” so to speak, of his own.

K.G.C. Samarawikrama, a ladies’ shoe specialist and designer, has been in the business of decorating women’s feet, while giving them variety and comfort, for around seven years now. He is not a cobbler by profession, and has been engaged in various other vocations before he decided he wanted to do something different, innovative and profitable. And this is how Nasa, his very own shoe manufacturing venture, came into being, with its logo interestingly being the Swastika!

Shoes are easily one of the most sought after accessories for women in particular and carving out a niche in this market is not an easy task. But Samarawikrama, driven by his commitment and passion to create something different, has been able to do just that. “Of late, I have been using exclusively local products such as jute and rattan, coconut leaves exclusively, along with beads and other additions in the design and the response has been very good. I have been supplying my creations to many of the leading shopping malls in Colombo, for almost one year now,” he says.

Along with the product, he also ensures customers some very interesting deals. “In case a bead comes off the shoe within a month of purchase, you need to inform the shop, who in turn informs me, and you get a new pair to use until the other pair is repaired. On the other hand, if a strap comes off, you will get a free repair. But so far not even 1% has needed a major repair,” he said.

Getting the chance to have a peek at his workshop at the back of his house, I walked into an interesting clutter of creativity. Carefully stepping over the shoe-making implements strewn around, and making my way into the workshop, I am introduced to Samarawikrama’s talented workforce.

“V. Somasiri has been with me for about one and a half years now, and has been in the shoe making business for almost 35 years,” says Samarawikrama pointing at his hard working employee busy in his little corner. M.H. Amila and M. Somasiri are working on his creations. Together, they make upto 35 pairs of shoes per day.

Samarawikrama’s staff adds up to about nine, with six of them preparing the straps for the shoes. “They take about 25 minutes to complete a thin strap, and the thicker ones take about one and a half hours,” he said, pointing to the pile of colourful, crochet shoe-straps on the table.

“My staff has been my strength, and just as I treat them well, they have given me their commitment and support to get my business going,” he adds.

As for future plans, exporting his products is his major goal. “I am keen to export my creations, especially since they are made from local products. All the materials that I use are suitable for any type of skin, and even help cure skin problems.

There is quite a big market for such casual ladies’ shoes, and the demand here as well as overseas is impressive,” he says.

L.P.S. Karunadasa, Director, Centre for the Development of Leather Products and Footwear, Industrial Development Board has been helping local manufacturers like himself to develop their businesses, says Samarawikrama.

“My products have been recommended by the authorities, and I’m awaiting approval to export. Local manufacturers like us should be given the backing that we need, in order to develop our businesses in Sri Lanka, and then enter international markets. Since all my shoes are handmade, it will be a huge benefit for me to get a few machines, which will increase my output,” he says, hopeful of a future where he can see his creations, literally, going places.