Born out of personal and practical reasons, Kataleya Sandals aims to create footwear that meets the unique needs of clients while maintaining an artisanal touch.

The five-year-old online-based company, operated by Samantha Lewis and her partner Barrington Selvin, specialises in high-quality handmade leather products which mainly comprise made-to-order sandals crafted with precision and care.

“I’ve always been passionate about fashion and design, but I often struggled to find sandals that were both comfortable and stylish, especially in larger sizes. Many designs I liked simply didn’t fit well or look as appealing once they went beyond certain sizes. As such I wanted to create a solution that would allow all women to feel confident in what they wear,” Lewis told the Jamaica Observer in outlining reasons behind the company’s start-up.

“Each piece is designed to combine comfort, durability, and style, with options for custom sizing to ensure a perfect fit,” she added.

With her partner having a background in arts, craft, and building technology, the start-up, she said, was made even easier as those skills when twinned with his natural talent for precise measurements and creativity helped to pave the way for a blossoming partnership which ultimately led to the creation of functional and beautiful pieces.

“Family is incredibly important to us, and we both dreamed of building something that could one day benefit our children as well. Together, we’re driven to create high-quality affordable custom footwear that not only fills a gap in the market, but can bring comfort and joy to customers,” Lewis said.

The shoes, which target women of all ages, range from sizes four to 13 and come in a number of styles, with the ‘orchid’ design said to be the most popular. “Customers love it for its blend of elegance and comfort, making it suitable for both casual outings and more formal occasions. The orchid has become a signature style in our collection, known for its versatility and flattering fit,” the co-owner noted.

Having used the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic to refine designs and to improve the production process, the company, Lewis said, today stands as a resilient and agile operation powered by a two-member team, family support and a loyal customer base.

“Each sandal is crafted to order, allowing us to customise sizes as we offer personalise support for individual clients. Our process ensures that every pair fits comfortably, even for customers with unique sizing needs or wider feet, which is something not often available in mainstream footwear. Our dedication to personalisation is what sets us apart, making each sandal truly unique to the wearer,” the budding entrepreneur said.

With just about all aspects of the business (design, production and customer service) currently handled by herself and her partner, Lewis said the aim is to further expand the brand as they continue to enhance the customer experience.

“As we grow, we look forward to expanding our team to support our vision in bringing even more unique, handcrafted products to our customers. The personal nature of our funding has kept us committed to maintaining the quality and integrity of our products as we go forward,” she stated.

“In the coming years, we plan to also open a storefront where customers can walk in, explore our products first-hand to find the perfect fit. We’re also excited about the launch of our handbag line which is to come soon — we’re currently finalising a few designs. Alongside new sandal designs, we plan to introduce men’s footwear and leather belts to our catalogue, as we broaden our range to serve a wider audience. Our goal is to keep innovating while staying true to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship,” she said.