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<p>Lionel Town resident Chantal Lewis is setting her sights of becoming one of Jamaica's prominent footwear designers. </p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<p>Lewis explained that her interest in craftsmanship started while she was a child watching her uncle make bags from calabash, leather, wool or thread. This interest grew and developed over time but
Lewis noticed she preferred making sandals. </p>
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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>"I tried getting help from one well-known local designer but got none."</p><cite>— Chantal Lewis</cite></blockquote>
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<p>“I have been making sandals on and off for three years now,” she said, pointing to the pair on her feet. 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.”</p>
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<p>While the budding artisan says the process is time-consuming, the effort is worth it in the end because her customers love her work.</p>
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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p> "I also want to expand my brand into clothing and other items."</p><cite>— Chantal Lewis</cite></blockquote>
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<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>
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