A Lost Trade Of The Modern Day Craftsman
Where Highland Park’s most multifaceted shoe repairman
(amongst other trades) works in wisdom, experience, and utter passion
By Maleah Pasasouk
Based in Highland Park, Los Angeles
Artur, 55, came to California straight from Armenia in 1991 at just 23 years old. His father owning and operating a factory in Armenia made Artur subject to the sight of through and through repairs. Growing up in the factory, he was a spectator, utterly in awe of the profession.
Moving to the US alone, Artur made his way to California where he went on to open up 3 of his very own shops. The first being in San Gabriel, the second in West Hollywood, and making a final and current move to Highland Park on North Figueroa St where Monte Vista Shoe Repair has been running and in business for the last 11 years now!
Exterior of Monte Vista Shoe Repair
Shoes in the process of being clamped down by pliers, for Artur, this tactic is insanely convenient.
Visibly aged tools gathered from around the shop.
Messy square can of “the best shoe repair glue”
Cowboy boots ready to get polished.
Book catalog of different types of soles compatible with various shoes. Artur uses this catalog to purchase one he may need to restore shoes that need the fix-up.
Sewing station located to the north of the shop.
Artur shown sewing up a slightly torn bag
Thinking back to the times I’ve visited, I don’t think I took too much time to appreciate this profession, but more so appreciated Artur and his ability to make a transactional encounter feel so special. I think it’s inevitable to feel the way I did with my past fix-ups as I didn’t see any items like mine in his shop, thus the projects I gave him had their own journey to go down to perfection. It felt nice. However, what makes feeling so special outside of my style individuality was Artur's laid-back, caring, yet up-and-ready feel to his character.
Without fail or inconsistency, Artur is a man who sticks to working in a timely manner. If you check his Yelp all you have to work off when shaping your own perspective of the type of guy Artur is is incredible customer reviews that scream excellent to the highest degree.
Key making/cut-out station
Shoe stretching station
The Finisher.
The biggest, most multi-purpose machine in Artur’s shop. Capable of shaving down, grinding, and polishing shoes in areas where needed. Frequently used on thicker rubber soles.
An old baby t-shirt Artur uses to clean off shoes.
“ People are not going to college to become cobblers”
This is a point my mom made when I came up with the idea of making my photo essay on Monte Vista Shoe Repair. As harsh as it is, it stands true. I pondered on the thought of shoe repair being a lost trade. Old-school trades are having a bit of a renaissance in all reality... In general, the sentiment remains that young people are not entering this field, let alone thinking of or considering it. Thus the upper-aged repairmen we see, but what happens post-retirement?
At what point will having a local cobbler be as convenient as it is now?
Did I just happen to live in comfortable proximity to it, thus blessed?
Will we see the end of multifaceted repairmen like Artur?
Standing pole for a sturdier position to do work on the soles of shoes.
Cards of past and some current customers of Arturs. Some of these cards list height and measurements.
At just 55, Artur has curated an insanely large collective of loyal customers. Some go to the lengths of sending out personal picture cards. Some list age, height, and even measurements; others are simply stored in Arturs's brain. These photos were previously hung up on a blank wall but are now sheltered in a box with even more cards to comb through. Photographed are just a few I was able to grab at.
With years of work under his belt, Artur informed me that along with regulars, he has had the opportunity to work with various celebrities, back in his West Hollywood shop—notable names such as Mariah Carey. So yes, he truly is The One... to go to.
Finally, Artur in action on the finisher shaving down the heel of a heel.
When working, Artur is the repairman who takes on any task. Need to make a new key, or copy one? He has the maker. Fix that leather bag? He has the thread and needle. Take it from me, I witnessed this man finish a product’s tear in no more than 45 seconds with complete precision.
Baffled yet not surprised, I cannot think of any other shop that gives me satisfaction like a win-to-win repair that Artur shoots.
What do I say?
Do not be fooled by the shop’s name. Artur does it all.
And finally.. Go thrift! Don’t shy away from those raggedy shoes at Wasteland or Bridge Thrift (just an 8-minute walk away from this shop). Get sustainable. Support a small business. Give a hard-working man his well-deserved money but also some projects. Witness in time how rewarding it is to give another life to your worn-out items!
More photos!