I photographed Shoes by Sam for a business feature for the Lilburn Patch newspaper on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Shoes by Sam is owned by Sam Shlimak, a Russian immigrant, who learned his craft from a neighbor growing up. Shlimak is actually a shoe designer but because of the high cost of designing original pieces, usually starting around $2,000, Sam has moved into the repair and sales side of the shoe business. These are some of my favorite images.
Sam Shlimak works on repairing a pair of shoes in the sun outside of Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Sam Shlimak works on repairing a pair of shoes in the sun outside of Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Anthony Thomas discusses repair options for three pairs of shoes with Sam Shlimak at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Sam Shlimak takes in three pairs of shoes from a customer to be repaired at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Shoes by Sam offers a variety of styles for both women and men as well as accessories and other odds and ends. Repair services of all kinds are also offered.
Sam Shlimak trims off extra material from a new sole at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Sam Shlimak uses a knife to trim off extra material from a new sole at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Sam Shlimak grinds down and smooths the heel on a pair of women's shoes at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Sam Shlimak grinds down and smooths the heel on a pair of women's shoes at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Audiel and Aleida Patino look at mens dress shoes at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn. Shoes by Sam offers a variety of styles for both women and men as well as accessories and other odds and ends. Repair services of all kinds are also offered.
A buffer, one of the many machines used for shoe making and repair, sits in the workshop at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.
Sam Shlimak uses a machine to stitch the side of a customer's shoe at Shoes by Sam in Lilburn.