HOW I OVERCAME: I Defied Societal Stereotypes To Become A Shoemaker – Folashade Adeiza

In an industry largely dominated by men, a Kogi State-based woman, Mrs Folashade Adeiza, has defied societal stereotypes to become a successful shoemaker in Lokoja, the state capital.

Folashade, who hails from Yagba East in Kogi West but is married to an indigene of Okehi local government area in Kogi Central, told LEADERSHIP that her journey into shoemaking began during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in the northern part of the country.

A mother of three, she explained that her decision to venture into the craft was driven by her desire to become financially independent and self-reliant.

Recounting how the journey started, Folashade said that during her NYSC, she interacted with some men who were shoemakers and developed an interest in the trade.

“Where I was living, I interacted with some men who were shoemakers and asked them to teach me, but they only showed me how to mend shoes. I was not satisfied with that, so I enrolled in a shoemaking shop where I learnt the trade,” she said.

According to her, many people initially discouraged her, insisting that shoemaking was a profession meant for men. However, she remained determined to pursue her passion.

“Several people tried to discourage me, saying the job was meant for men. But I refused to be discouraged. I told myself that if men could do it, then I could also do it,” she added.

On her motivation, Folashade said the business has given her the freedom and financial stability she desired.

“My motivation is the fact that I want to be independent and work at my own pace. Today, the business is doing well. I don’t have to wait for a monthly salary because I pay myself.

“The beauty of the business is that I open my shop whenever I want. Sometimes I even reject some jobs so I can meet deadlines and avoid disappointing my clients. Honestly, the business is doing better than I expected,” she said.

Folashade also sells shoes in her shop while taking orders from customers who request specific designs.

Although she admits that competing with her male counterparts in the industry can be challenging, she has overcome the obstacle.

Beyond building her own business, Folashade said she has also trained several women who became interested in shoemaking after seeing her work.

“I have trained a number of women who were inspired by what I do, and they are doing very well today. Like I always say, anything men can do with their hands, women can also do it and sometimes even better,” she said.

A middle-aged man who patronises Mrs Folashade Adeiza said the lady makes very high-quality shoes. “She is a very good shoemaker. She makes quality shoes and I can recommend her shoes to anyone,” he said.