This is Renee. When I first met her she was answering phones and making photo copies as an office temp one floor below me. Then she gave it all up and began a career in something different altogether: shoe making.

As much as I love to wear them, I’ve never really considered making them. Cobbling is one of those art forms you simply don’t hear that much about—there is only one John Fluevog after all, while here are dozens of Margaret Atwoods–which is exactly why pursuing such a goal can be that much more difficult. However, Renee did—and is now launching her own line of shoes called Westerly Hand Made Shoes–reminding me once again of the power of passion.

So thank you Renee and Westerly Hand Made Shoes, you inspire me.