**From Canada to Campania: Giulia Rhodes’ Inspiring Journey into Shoemaking**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/luxury-shoes-tout-72326-8670e5fbfd774dc1b614d9632e4f2cb1.jpg)
In a small village nestled outside Naples, Italy, 23-year-old Giulia Rhodes has embarked on a transformative journey into the world of traditional shoemaking. Originally from Canada and a graduate of the London College of Fashion, Rhodes envisioned a career in the United States. However, obtaining a work visa proved challenging due to her limited professional experience, prompting a sudden change in her plans.
Stuck in a bind, Rhodes turned to her uncle, who resides in Italy. During a dinner discussion about her future, she revealed her long-standing aspiration to learn shoemaking. With her family’s roots tracing back to Italy’s Campania region, her uncle swiftly connected her with a family friend who owns a thriving leather workshop, known as a *bottega*. Energised by this opportunity, Rhodes made the move to Italy to begin her apprenticeship at the beginning of the new year.
Settling into her new life, Rhodes found herself immersed in the craftsmanship that has existed for centuries. The apprenticeship involved daily hands-on training from seasoned artisans, where she was introduced to every aspect of shoemaking, from stitching to polishing. Typically working hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rhodes dedicated herself to learning, relishing each moment spent alongside the studio’s six skilled artisans.
“The cobbler I worked with the most is Maria, a kind and nurturing woman,” Rhodes recalls. “She would bring homemade lunches every day, and we shared pastries during our breaks, always accompanied by an espresso.” Despite her immediate comfort at the workshop, Rhodes faced significant anxiety and isolation as she adjusted to life in the tight-knit village, a stark contrast to the bustling cities she previously inhabited.
Describing her transition into village life as “mental,” Rhodes admits initial feelings of loneliness. Even with Italian citizenship and language skills, the intimate nature of the community made her feel like an outsider. Coupled with this emotional hurdle was the realisation that mastering shoemaking would be a continuous journey rather than a destination.
“I came to understand that I wasn’t going to become a master overnight,” Rhodes explains. “The artisans working at the workshop have honed their craft over decades, and that can’t be rushed.” While she often felt compelled to hasten her learning process, the timelessness of the trade taught her the importance of patience and dedication.
In a delightful twist, Rhodes crafted her first pair of shoes within her initial week at the workshop. “It was a moment of great pride for me,” she said, reflecting on the unique satisfaction of creating footwear compared to clothing. Not long after, her creative juices flowed, and she produced her first original design just a month into her apprenticeship.
Rhodes’ journey also instilled a deep appreciation for the meticulous artistry involved in producing handmade footwear. “The timeline to craft a pair of shoes is influenced by how well I’ve slept and how much coffee I’ve consumed,” she jokes. On average, she notes that simpler designs can be completed in a day, whereas more intricate creations could take several weeks.
Often, the shoes crafted in the workshop are sold for between €500 and €800, reflecting the dedication of artisans who specialise in different stages of production. “Each artisan has their role—whether it’s cutting the leather, stitching, or adding finishing touches,” says Rhodes, underscoring the collaborative effort behind each pair of shoes. Among her various creations, the loafers she designed for her mother hold a particular place in her heart, alongside the first loafers she made herself, carefully crafted and filled with love.
As her apprenticeship approached its conclusion, Rhodes felt compelled to document her experience. She shared a final TikTok video showcasing her crafted shoes, which unexpectedly resonated with viewers, quickly gaining over 500,000 views. The response left her overwhelmed with emotion as strangers celebrated her talent and encouraged her future endeavours.
“I never anticipated the flood of positivity it would bring,” Rhodes reflected. “It allowed me to finally feel proud of my decision to pause my life and focus on what truly mattered to me. Now, back in Canada, I’m excited to begin my next chapter.”
In Canada, Rhodes is gearing up to work as a stylist and freelance designer while simultaneously establishing her own shoemaking studio. “It will take time and effort to source tools and materials, but I’m eager to bring my unique designs to life in this new venture,” she shared.
In sharing her story, Rhodes urges others to be open to the unexpected. “If one opportunity doesn’t pan out, there’s always another path to pursue,” she advises. “Had my visa issues not arisen, I might never have taken the leap to move to Italy and experience this incredible journey into shoemaking.”