An award-winning Welsh shoemaker has said that, a month after the opening of her new premises in Machynlleth, she is still overwhelmed by support from the community.
Shoemaker Ruth Emily Davey says she is still reeling from the support she and her team have received since opening her new shop in Machynlleth on February 11.
The bespoke shoemaking business RED, is a newly renovated four-story Victorian town house.
The shop boasts an increased shop floor and fitting area to display the shoes, which the team says has been warmly welcomed by the customers.
Ruth Emily Davey said: “I spent most of 2022 renovating the premises, which I like to think has already become an asset to the town, brightening up the high street with its red and gold.
“Clients have said the shops creates a warm and personal shoe buying experience unlike any other.
“With additional workshops and office space, the expansion of the business will allow us to meet demands from clients more readily following an increase in business since the covid pandemic.
“My passion and purpose has always been to create with my hands. I construct each pair of my shoes using the finest care and attention.
“Shoemaking cannot be fast forwarded; no corners can be cut without consequences or compensations to the end product. With the collection of different processes that unite each shoe it often feels that each pair is born into the world.
Well known in the field of Heritage Crafts and bespoke shoemaking, her list of awards and commendations include the Balvenie Young Master of Craft Award 2011, the QEST scholarship 2013, and the Winston Churchill Traveling Fellowship 2016 which enabled her to travel to Japan and Mexico.
She apprenticed at the age of eighteen under the famed late shoemaker Alan James Raddon, whose clients included Alec Guinness, Diana Athill and Emma Thompson.
Ms Davey has over twenty years of experience in the art of shoemaking and has made shoes for the likes of Hollywood stars like Drew Barrymore, as well as delivering to customers in Australia and America.
The opening night of the Machynlleth shop included a champagne reception and a red carpet style opening of the new premises.
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