Photos: Meet Michelle Ekure, A female University Of Benin Graduate Turned Shoemaker

Michelle Ekure, from Delta State is a graduate of International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Benin. Michelle went into shoe making six years after searching for a job to no avail.

According to her:

"My inspiration is from God, I never knew I would be a shoemaker. I graduated from the University six years ago, after which I looked for for job, but to know avail. At sometimes I got employed by a company in Lagos, but the boss was owing too much so I left.
"On how it started, there is this other company I buy sandals in Lagos and resell. They sell nice shoes, so one day I thought to myself that I can tell this people to make sandals for me with my label,  so I approached them and they said yes. That was how I got my first set of shoes. Then a friend introduced me to a guy that makes shoes. I watch him make shoes one day and I was amazed then I asked him to teach me and he did.

"My target audience are Men of honours, people like the famous Nigerians comedian Alibaba...lol . I  make direct sales, but I drive more sales on social media platforms like instagram, facebook and twitter. Micheleleather sales per week is over 50 pairs."

Michelle's Instagram account is @micheleathers. 

 

Michele's makes around 50 pairs of shoes a week and has 6 apprentices working for her. Her advice for young ladies still looking for jobs: 

"I always tell people I come in contact with that are looking for job to start something, anything you are good at can bring money to you or just learn a trade. 

Michelle

A pair of shoes made by Michelle