My name is Dana Minke, I'm a creator and maker of custom fit shoes. My grandfather was a shoemaker and I'd love to say I learned this form of art from him, but we never had a chance to meet each other. In my case, a connection to and passion for this craft have been passed down through the generations. 

 

During my scenography studies at Vilnius Academy of Arts I was fascinated by lectures related to costume and footwear design. I would spend countless hours in the library, reading and researching this area. I was trying to understand how people were creating shoes and clothes, what influence they had on their daily lives, social status, self-esteem, what social and historical circumstances affected the origin of specific trends and design patterns, and finally how it all led to the creation of a beautiful, stylish and most of all, comfortable shoe.

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I learned the art of shoemaking from the best. I studied this craft at King Mindaugas' Study Centre in Kaunas, which I graduated from in 2016 with a Diploma in shoemaking. I was honoured to meet the best artisans and academics in the field. Of special significance to my studies was the best artisan in Lithuania, Boleslovas Kazakevicius, who taught me the craft of high-quality, professional shoemaking. I will always be thankful for that and will remember him as the greatest master as well as an intellectual and a kind person.

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After studies in Kaunas I moved to Paris, where I continued my shoemaking studies at ESMOD fashion school and was taught by the most talented specialist, Patricia Kruz. To support my studies I was working at "Atelier Beaumarchais," where I gained invaluable hands-on experience working with high-end fashion products and brands.

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