The Journey Behind Craft-Wear

My Grandfather- Pandurang Virolkar

My family has a small history of leather and chappal making .my grandfather used to make vegetable-tanned leather at home with natural methods like using tree bark and leaves. this slow vegetable tanning process created strong and long lasting leather.

From that leather he made hand crafted chappal. they were simple,durable and perfectly suit for hard village life.Farmers especially trusted his chappals because they could walk for miles in the fields without worrying about them wearing out. these chappals became a reliable companion for farmers in the community.

My Father- Gajanan Virolkar

However my father could not continue this legacy.In our community we were called “Dalit” and because of caste barriers, the dignity of this craft was not always respected. what was once honest work and service to people became looked down upon.
Because of these circumstances, my father turned to another trade and started a small bicycle repair shop . building a livelihood for our
family.

Me – Shubham Virolkar

I grew up in a middle-class family where life was always about living within limits. We valued what we had, and our dreams were never too big. My parents worked very hard to give me a good life, and they wished I would study well, get a stable job, and live a secure life.

For us, success meant job. A steady salary, a safe home, and a simple routine that was the dream. Nobody around me spoke about business. Entrepreneurship was something far away, no business family background.

During my college days. I received an opportunity from Maharashtra centre of Entrepreneurship Development(MCED). They organized a special program for some people from the cobbler community were given valuable guidance on business development that experience opened my eyes. the possibilities of entrepreneurship listening to their strategies and vision. I had never thought of.

As part of the program, we were introduced to the footwear industries and Central Footwear Training Institute(CFTI) in Agra. We learned about different aspects of shoe making. over a couple of days, we gained valuable knowledge about how shoes are made ,the process involved, the raw material and the skills required. this experience gave me perspective behind footwear and motivated me to explore this field further.
In my return journey from Agra, I met a craftsman who were working in the customised footwear industry. what began as a casual conversation soon turned into a meaningful exchange about his journey and experiences in the footwear industry. he spoke passionately about the craft of shoe making precision detailing and the pride that comes from creating a product with hands without using Machinery.

Until then, most of what I had seen in Agra was large-scale, mass manufacturing of shoes. But his perspective opened my eyes to a different side of the industry one that valued craftsmanship, quality, and individuality over quantity. Listening to him describe the transformation of raw materials into fine, finished footwear left a deep impression on me.

At the same time, I Felt a growing sense of responsibility toward my family. My father worked tirelessly at his small bicycle repair shop, and I wanted to contribute and support him in every way. That sense of duty gave me the courage to take a bold step.I dropped out of college and began searching for opportunities in footwear industry.

Fortunately, I got job in footwear industry but the beginning, however, was far from easy. I had no technical understanding of footwear and lacked the ability to speak English confidently. Yet, instead of giving up, I embraced the struggle. For three months, I worked without a salary surviving only on food and accommodation taking up the most basic tasks in the workshop. From carrying materials and assisting craftsmen to handling small chores, Those early hardship days became my greatest teachers.

The aspiration of learning craft I used every moment as a chance to observe, practice, and absorb the craft. my goal at that time was to earn money. what began as a step driven by necessity slowly turned into a passion, shaping my journey in true craftsmanship and carry forward the values of skill, dedication, and creativity in shoemaking.

After some time, I realized that to truly grow in this field, I needed to deepen my knowledge. I wanted to learn shoemaking in its entirety from design to Making because I often found myself limited in small technical details. At the same time, I understood that learning fluent English was equally important for my future. Co-incidentally, my sister also developed the same interest in footwear. Together, we decided to enrolled at Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI) Agra to formally study footwear design and manufacturing course , while also joining an online English-speaking course to build confidence and communication skills.

Due to financial challenges, I was unable to complete my college degree and had to discontinue my studies in the 2nd year. I chose to return to the footwear industry with even greater determination. This time, equipped with technical knowledge and improved English fluency, I was able to take on a manager role within a company. The progression from a workshop assistant to a manager position not only reflected my professional growth but also reinforced my belief that resilience, continuous learning, and persistence have the power to transform challenges into opportunities.

My Sister- Nikita Virolkar

My Sister continued her course with dedication and hard work. she not only completed her course but was got first rank in college and also was awarded the Gold Medal.

Her Journey did not stop there. she was selected to represent Maharashtra at the India Skills Competition in 2021, where she proudly won Bronze Medal in the shoe making Championship. This achievement was not just her victory. it was a moment of pride for our Family.

After her achievement , she went on to work in the footwear industry for 4 year, where she gained valuable experience and refined her expertise. Each role contributed to her professional growth not only in shoemaking but also in understanding the wider dynamics of the industry, the balance between design and functionality, and the importance of innovation in keeping traditional craft relevant. Her journey stands as a strong example of how dedication, discipline, and passion can transform opportunities into remarkable achievements.

Meanwhile I built 8 years experience Experienced in working with premium leathers, bespoke designs, and customer-specific requirements. Strong knowledge of shoe care, fitting adjustments, and quality inspection. Dedicated to maintaining traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern design and production techniques. Handled customer consultations for custom shoe orders, fittings, and after-sales services. Advised clients on footwear styles, colours, and designs to match their outfits and personal preferences. Monitored inventory of leather, accessories, and raw materials to maintain stock levels. Supervised a team of craftsmen and staff, delegating tasks and maintaining high-quality production standards.Managed daily operations of shoe manufacturing unit, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery. Coordinated with suppliers and vendors for procurement of high-quality materials.

One day my sister shared thought that changed everything. Why don’t we start our own brand?
It was a dream that had always lived quietly in our hearts. we discussed with our parents and with their support, we decided to take the bold step of building something our own. that conversation became the seed from which CRAFT WEAR was born.

CRAFT WEAR is not just about footwear it is about passion, struggle, excellence, and the courage to dream. Every pair we create carries a piece of our journey. the milestone that made us proud and the determination that drives us forward.

This is our story and with CRAFT WEAR we invite you to walk with us on a path where tradition meets passion and where every step is crafted with heart and soul.