Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Huling and Annabel Reader.
Daniel and Annabel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Annabel and I met at a corporate Christmas party. She was walking on stilts and I was juggling. We both come from circus arts backgrounds. Ever since Annabel was an extra in Lord of the Rings, she has been interested in costumes and costume design. In 2017 Annabel was working with Cirque Du Soleil in the wardrobe department. She was in charge of resolving and maintaining the performer’s shoes. During her free time on tour, she began experimenting with making her own shoes. When we went to New Zealand to visit her family, we took a shoemaking course together. As soon as we returned to the states, we knew we wanted to share our experience with others. We began by teaching some friends how to make their own shoes and Colorado Shoe school was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have experienced quite a lot of excitement and support from our community. People seem inherently interested in what we are doing and want to know more about it. The initial investment is extensive. We built a beautiful two story studio. There is quite a range of tools and materials that we had to purchase upfront. We are still a pretty young business and we have experienced some growing pains. However, things just feel right. Maybe we don’t notice the setbacks as much because we love what we are doing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Colorado Shoe School teaches people how to make shoes. We have one day-5 day classes. In a one or two day, class students can learn to make sneakers or sandals. In a five day class, a student can make a dress shoe or boot. We are known for working with our student’s concepts and designs to create a one of a kind shoe. We also incorporate recycled, upcycled, and repurposed materials into the designs. We are extremely proud of our students who have no previous experience with working with their hands. We love to see their faces light up when they try on their handmade shoes for the first time. We are situated in a beautiful valley with rivers, bike paths, trails, and the beer capital of Colorado.
What were you like growing up?
Dan was an introverted, serious student with a very curious mind. His play included conducting experiments in nature and building inventions in the basement.
Annabel grew up the youngest in a family of five children, one of them being her twin sister. She spent the majority of her life in New Zealand, though her family are from all over the world and travelled a lot. As a child her family spent a few years living in Indonesia where she started to school. Annabel loved to “do Art” any and all of it was encouraged. Dance class was a major part her life growing up along with always being on the beach looking in rock pools and swimming in the freezing New Zealand sea. Camping, spending time outside and making up imaginary games with her twin sister were top pass times.
Pricing:
- 1 Day Sneaker Workshop – $190
- 2 Day Sneaker Workshop – $290
- 1 Day Sandal Workshop – $190
- 5 Day Dress Shoe/Boot Workshop – $890
Contact Info:
- Address: 2829 N County Rd 23 Bellvue CO 80512
- Website: coloradoshoeschool.com
- Phone: 303-638-5310
- Email: annabel@coloradoshoeschool.com
- Instagram: @coloradoshoeschool
- Facebook: colorado shoe school
Image Credit:
Marc Leverette, Annabel Reader
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