Shelly Luhman, a cobbler in New York City, has demonstrated that shoe repair can also be a jack-of-all-trades service. With the aid of a grant from the Storefront Repair Fund, Luhman's shop, Broadway Shoe Repair, has been able to tackle an expanded repertoire of repairs that go far beyond just footwear. "You can't be afraid to try new things and you can't be afraid to get dirty," Luhman told Seattle.gov, highlighting the attitude that has helped her business thrive in a diverse market.

Broadway Shoe Repair's willingness to mend whatever customers bring through the door has turned it into a local go-to place for a wide variety of repair needs. "We are willing to fix pretty much anything somebody is willing to get in here. We’ve even done house calls for people that want to fix their leather couches," Luhman said in a statement obtained by Seattle.gov. Items ranging from purses and tents to childhood teddy bears are now fair game for Luhman and her team, who evidently relish the challenge that each unique repair brings.

It appears that the creative problem-solving involved in fixing an array of items has become a source of joy for Luhman. According to her, figuring out how to restore these diverse belongings is what drives the businesses' success and satisfaction. By exploring this uncharted territory of repair work, the shop serves as a testament to the enduring value and adaptability of skilled manual work in the modern economy.

With community support and financial backing as a bolster, Luhman's enterprise stands out as an example of how traditional businesses can evolve and adapt in contemporary times. Indeed, Broadway Shoe Repair isn't just a place for fixing shoes—it’s a haven for anyone with a cherished item in need of a careful touch. "We’re the kind of repair shop that if you don’t know where to take it, bring it here," Luhman told Seattle.gov, encapsulating the shop's inclusive approach to repairs.