Psychotherapist turned footwear instructor has no regrets
24/02/2016
Mr Shanor established the School of Shoemaking and Design in Ashland in 1972 and runs it with his wife, Julie Bonney. Speaking to World Leather at Lineapelle in Milan in February, Mr Shanor explained that he had originally trained as a psychotherapist but had become interested in footwear after his father bought a shoe repair business.
He offers courses on making a variety of styles of shoes and said some former students have gone on to launch successful brands in market segments such as motorcycle boots and old-style moccasins. He said western boots are also popular among course participants.
Asked if he ever wondered if he might have made more money from continuing to practise as a psychotherapist, he answered: "I'd probably have made more money if I had gone to work in McDonald's, but I'm happy and that's all that really matters."
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