Azmi now sells his chapal online as well. – ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
DON’T be quick to dismiss the small workshop of Azmi Jaafar’s in Butterworth, Penang.
It’s where Azmi, 47, crafts bespoke chapal (traditional sandals), and he receives orders from all around the country.
The chapal artisan said orders for the sandals doubled in the first week of Ramadan because the chapal is classic Hari Raya footwear.
It also helps that the sandals are back in vogue due to their retro look.
Azmi expects to make and sell 500 pairs of chapal this year.
Each pair is priced between RM120 and RM350, he said.
He is delighted that lately, even non-Malays have begun ordering bespoke chapal to wear as a fashion statement paired with jeans.
Azmi started as an apprentice for five years in Kepala Batas, Penang, in the 1980s.
In 1993, he worked in a local shoe factory, during which he spent three years pursuing a dis tance-learning programme under the International Leather Crafters League that began in Europe in the 1800s.
In 1999, Azmi ventured out on his own and started a small workshop in Kompleks Bagan, a retail space for hawkers and petty traders. He has been there ever since.
“When you want to learn something, be patient and be willing to make mistakes because that is the only way to learn.
“It takes time for the knowledge you are seeking to become a part of you, sometimes years.
“Don’t always look for instant satisfaction and shortcuts. Give it time,” said Azmi, who now sells most of his chapal online.
He said that over time, he worked out how to get accurate foot measurements and has been making all-leather chapal that perfectly fit hundreds of buyers all over the country.
The sandals even come with customised designs and motifs, according to clients’ requests.
Azmi has diversified into making custom leather belts, wallets and other leather accessories.
