When her boss retired in 2013, Lorena Agolli was faced with the decision of whether to take over Sole Survivor or leave things to chance under new ownership. She decided to go all-in and take the reigns of the Toronto cobbling operation. The first winter in the basement shop was a long one. Lorena recalls working 14-hour days alone to keep up with growing demand. Since then, Sole Survivor has emerged as a sought after repair and customization destination in the bustling Canadian city. The shop’s foundations are built on rock-solid repairs, and it distinguishes itself with one-of-a-kind custom jobs that turn heads with creativity and precise execution. Lorena and her employees treat each pair of shoes and boots that come in with a reverence that reflects their unwavering respect for well-made footwear. We met up with Lorena in her shop to learn more about her trade and explore her passion for wasting less and living more.

When you took over the business in 2013, it was sink or swim. How did you pull it off?

I had the feeling of sink or swim on my mind only because I had never run a business, let alone tried to make a living out of repairing shoes and leather goods. I still don’t know how I pulled it off, all I can say is that I was motivated by needing and wanting to work in this capacity. I didn’t have any expectation of how it should be or look, I just wanted to follow my passion, and that was working with my hands and doing a good job. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How do you view your work within the context of made-to-throw-away, fast consumption culture?

I value the idea of what we will leave behind when we no longer exist in this physical body and life. I am trying to "heel" what exists and not add more waste to this planet. Knowing that my bare hands have extended the life of a pair of boots or leather goods allows me to feel more connected to this earth, and that’s something that I’m trying to instill in my customers... Invest in quality over quantity.