Continuing a proud family tradition of his cobbler family, young Ashwin Narayan carries out the business with determination and passion.

Operating out of a meagre one-room workshop, Ashwin is surrounded by horse bridles, horse collars, bags and shoes from customers seeking his expert help with their products.

Ashwin is a recipient of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism’s grant given out to successful applicants in 2015.

“I am a third generation of cobblers who live in Rakiraki and I carry out my work with pride because this is what my grandfather and my elders started and I will work hard to carry it out,” he said.

He received $1000 and was able to purchase electrical tools and other materials that he needed.

His reputation in the business is far reaching with customers coming from as far as Nausori to get horse outfits done.

“We do most of our work manually, meaning that I stitch finely and with proper and strong leather and threads. People keep coming back,” Ashwin said.

“Because this is a unique business, I always get asked if I would like to do something else. I always answer that I don’t need to because I am happy with what I am doing, especially continuing my family tradition.”

Ashwin has plans to extend his business and dreams of opening his own shop one day.

“I rent this small workspace for $50 a month and it’s so congested. Hopefully one day I can get a bigger space,” he said.

“I thank Government for its investment by way of the grant.

“The Government has done a lot for us, but it is up to the individual, who has received the money to use it well and to use it for the purpose it was given for.”

Edited by Percy kean

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