For Esau Mbunji Valende, shoemaking has become more than just a way to earn a living. It is what gives him purpose and keeps him moving forward.
Five years ago, Esau completed his final practical examination with the hope that he would soon be recruited by the government. That opportunity never came. Instead of giving in to frustration or despair, he turned to shoemaking.
“What motivates me to make shoes is the knowledge that every pair of shoes I make carries more than leather and stitches, it carries hope,” he explains.
Esau has seen how people can easily fall into depression when their career path fails. For him, shoemaking became the alternative that restored his dignity and gave him a way to support his family. It also helps him maintain his mental well-being. Working with his hands provides him with focus and the reminder that he can still create something of value, even when life takes unexpected turns.
To him, shoemaking is not just a business. It is proof that a closed door does not mean the end of the road.
Source: Zambian Landscape