<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Lionel Town resident Chantal Lewis is setting her sights of becoming one of Jamaica's prominent footwear designers. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The 26-year-old Clarendon native’s hand-made leather sandals caught everyone’s attention at the recent launch of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee (PCCDC) in Clarendon.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":1736} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/RAF-2-1024x664.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1736" /><figcaption> Senator Pearnell Charles Jr. (centre) looks at sandals made by Chantal Lewis (second left) at the launch of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee in Clarendon on July 18.&nbsp; Sharing the moment are her sister Ca-Deiva Clarke (left) and President of the Palmers Cross Community Development Committee Romeo Mitchell (Photo contributed)</figcaption></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Originally from Savannah Cross, Lewis explained that her interest in craftsmanship started while she was young; watching her uncle make bags from calabash, leather, wool or thread. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This interest grew and developed over time but
Lewis noticed she preferred making sandals. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“I have been making sandals on and off for
three years now,” she said, pointing to the pair on her feet. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“I am self-taught, I go online for tips and
to look at shapes and styles. I tried getting help from one well-known local
designer but got none,” Lewis contended.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>While the budding artisan says the process
is time-consuming, the effort is worth it in the end because her customers love
them as they are affordable, neat and last a long time.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“I would like to see my sandal business
grow big, but I also want to expand my brand into clothing and other items and
make a significant mark on the local and overseas market,” Chantal remarked.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The sandals feature comfort and a classy,
trendy style and among her regular customers is her younger sister, Ca-Deiva Clarke.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>As with every new business, young Lewis is off to a slow start but prospects are good as her customer base is growing and everyone is happy with her product so far.&nbsp; </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Chantal also had her uncle’s handbags and a
lamp made from fudge sticks alongside her display of beautiful sandals at the
launch. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->