We had the good fortune of connecting with Leanne Corcoran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leanne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was blessed to be raised by parents who encouraged me to pursue happiness above all else. I thought I had done exactly that by becoming an artist and exhibiting my work nationally. But then, in 1998, I read a newspaper article about a woman who quit her corporate job and purchased a shoe factory. For the first time in my life, I was struck with an overwhelming sense of envy. I love shoes. I love creating things. Why the heck wasn’t I making shoes? And, how in the heck am I going to learn this trade?! Fast forward 20 years, I’m living in Seattle, running a design firm, and raising two children. The thought of making shoes never left my mind so I jumped at the chance to attend a sandal making workshop with a woman from Santa Fe at a local art school. I was hooked! About 9 months later I closed my design business and went to Santa Fe to study shoemaking under the instruction of master shoemaker, Jessica Brommer.

Starting Leolo is representative of saying yes to life and the things we love and the creative force I believe is within each of us.

A few other questions and answers:

I realized two things very quickly on my shoemaking journey: 1) I would be making shoes for the rest of my life. 2) There is a lot of demand for high quality, long-lasting (no pun intended), sustainably sourced/made, well-fitting shoes. There was very little effort behind turning my passion into a business. It just sort of happened.

Is there a story behind your company’s name?
It came to me in a dream about a fierce lion that was being hunted and I was trying desperately to protect. It was a powerful dream because I think that’s exactly what I’m doing in the design process; encouraging my clients to express their most untamed selves. Leolo; for the lion-hearted!

What was your inspiration behind the style and aesthetic of your product offering?
I’ve always loved fashion, particularly when there’s a modern twist on a classic design. Growing up in a small town in southern Minnesota I lived for Elsa Klensch’s Sunday morning fashion shows on PBS. I bought my first pair of wingtips in the men’s footwear section of Shopko when I was in 9th grade. They were black, ill-fitting, and, oh so punk rock.

Can you walk us through your process and techniques (from design to the final product)? What type of tools and materials do you use throughout this process?
The traditional bespoke shoemaking method is a 220-step process. With each step the stakes get higher, and without absolute presence, so do the chances of ruining the shoe. It takes about 40 hours to complete a pair of shoes.

1) Measure and trace the foot. 2) Find the appropriate fitting last (wooden foot form) and add/sand leather until the last replicates the measurements of the foot. 3) Create a pattern for the upper of the shoe. 4) Cut the pattern and soles from leather. 5) Punch holes in the upper, called “broguing”, then dye the leather. 6) Sew the upper together. 7) Form the sole to the last and let it dry overnight. 8) Attach the upper to the sole using a technique called “lasting”. 9) Add welt, shank, sole, and heel. 10) Polish!

Do you have a favorite step in your shoemaking process? If so, which part is your favorite and why?
My favorite step in the shoemaking process is lasting the upper to the sole. It involves pulling the leather over the last and nailing it to the sole with lots of little nails. It’s super satisfying to manipulate the leather, which is surprisingly malleable, from this weird-looking floppy leather thing into a beautiful shoe.

Is there a pair of shoes that you’ve created for a customer that you are most proud of?
My shoes are custom made so I collaborate with my clients on design. I’ve always felt that shoes are a reflection of one’s character, so it’s important to me that the design exhibits my client’s sensibilities. I love it when my client’s creations push my aesthetic boundary because inevitably the shoe reflects their nature. This makes me super happy!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was blessed to be raised by an artist father and to choose the artist path midway through my undergraduate studies. I was quickly taken under the wing of my painting teacher who serves as my art mentor to this day. This mentor encouraged and challenged me as an artist. With his endorsement and encouragement, I went on to earn my MFA in painting and shows of my abstract works in Chicago and New York City. My season as a prolific painter shifted focus to interior design about two decades ago. But, all along my dream of making shoes persisted. Leolo Handmade Shoes and Leather Goods are crafted quality goods made to last and last. Leolo Bespoke, Handmade shoes are made custom based on multiple measurements of each foot followed by a 220 step process to deliver a timeless treasure of footwear made just for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Seattle and the Pacific Northwest offers endless beauty and engagement. The first stop in this area must be the home of Leolo; Pike Place Market. An icon of unique history, sights, smells, tastes, crafts, vistas, beauty and personality. A full day could easily be spent getting lost and then found in the six levels of the market. Lunch of chowder on a stool in the market, a beverage at ZigZag before an exquisite dinner at the Pink Door. Take the ferry across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island and scoot, ride a bike or walk into the village of Bainbridge for a day of shopping, exploring and eating oh so well.
Another day would include a visit to Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, a meal at Terra Plata, experiencing the Starbucks Reserve and catching some live music at The Showbox or The Triple Door.
Depending on the season a day of paddling Lake Union, hiking or skiing the North Cascades.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom. Maurine Corcoran brought me into the world about 50 years ago and now works alongside me bringing each pair of shoes and boots to life with her expert sewing skill. I wouldn’t be here without her, Leolo would not be here without her.

Website: www.leoloshoes.com

Instagram: leoloshoes

Facebook: leoloshoes

Image Credits
image is placeholder only. we will get you proper photos under separate cover

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.