Kchichian.. a Lebanese shoemaker struggling to maintain his profession

Many are the memories of the Lebanese shoemaker Hagop Kechichian in the shoe industry. Everything started with his father, who taught him the basics from a young age, and when he was 12 years old, he followed in the footsteps of his father and teacher.

Kechichian became famous in his neighborhood and was nicknamed Jackson because of his strong love for the pop music group (The Jackson 5) and for the famous Jackson shoes that he makes.

Kechichian wakes up every morning at about three or four in the morning, where he meets his friends for coffee, and opens his workshop at about six in the morning.

He is known for his personality and distinctive looks, his hats and cigars, and his love of singing and music.

Kechichian wishes he could open his workshop for more than four in the evening, but due to the economic situation in Lebanon, his workload has diminished and it is difficult for him to maintain his profession.

Kechichian competes with cheaper imports and says his industry is also affected by high prices and a shortage of available raw materials. With frequent power outages and unable to pay for a private generator, he simply waits for electricity to return or ends up working manually with a miter, hammer and pliers.

Kechichian used to have at least eight workers in the shop, producing nearly a hundred shoes a day, but now he keeps his workshop open to work on small production to fulfill his passion for the craft.

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