The Artisan Art of Shoe Repair
Describing himself as an old-fashioned craftsman in a computer-crafted world, Souren Bagdasaryan is an artisan who brings skill, knowledge and patience to the art of hand-crafted repairs. As the owner of Souren Master Shoe Repair, he has been helping customers bring new life to shoes, luggage, purses, (and an occasional couch cushion or car seat) since 2002.
When New Won’t Do
Souren says that some people just don’t understand why they would want to repair rather than replace. It is especially true of people who grew up in a disposal age, when things are built to be replaced frequently rather than crafted for quality.
But sometimes, new just won’t do. Maybe it is that expensive brief case, a pair of favorite ballet toe shoes, a Birkenstock design that is no longer made, or the boots that have seen you through years of great adventures. Or perhaps it is a pair of costly dress shoes that deserve to be repaired rather than tossed aside.
Quality is His Specialty
Whatever the situation, Souren is an artisan. Yes, he said, some people just want to go to a shoe repair shop where they will slap some glue or nails on a new sole. “That’s not me. I work slowly, patiently, repair or rebuild, or assess what might be a basic flaw in the design of the item and work to correct it. It’s my biggest problem. I work as fast as patience, proper repair, and my two hands will allow.” He categorizes his shop as an “honest business” where every job is done with pride. My specialty, he says simply, “is quality.”
His customers know he’s an artist when it comes to excellence. The business has been built by word-of-mouth and a reputation for quality. He has no website, he has no Facebook page but great reviews on Yelp. Customers are encouraged to call before they come in and count on him as a valuable resource when it comes to keeping comfortable things comfy and restoring beauty to beat up or broken things.
Souren Master Shoe Repair also sells a good variety of insoles and arch supports, a large assortment of casual and dress shoe laces, and a broad array of shoe polishes. The shop is located at the end of the walkway at 165 S. Murphy, Suite A.
Park right in front of the shop in the parking lot off Frances - the back of Tao Tao’s is a good landmark. The posted hours are Tuesday-Friday: 11 to 6, Saturday: 10:30 to 4, and closed Sunday and Monday. Drop in or contact Souren at: 408-992-0666.
When quality and craftsmanship are in order, you will find an artisan at Souren Master Shoe Repair.