In January 2019, as I was rounding off my NYSC program in Nasarawa State; my fashion consciousness had grown and I was fascinated by people’s footwear and the impression they made. This was my primary inspiration to learn the craft and the business of shoemaking that gave birth to the brand @tommyjoatwears..

With my 18k  allowance, I started learning by paying my teacher 5,000 to start with. After my service year in 2019, I stayed back for a month to complete the training.

Tommy Joat Wears started with a small triangle shop with a little idea of shoemaking in August 2019 in a slightly urban area. Today, Tommy Joat is a registered indigenous firm in Nigeria that specializes in footwear manufacturing, retailing, training, and servicing. Tommy Joat is keen on training and retaining more hands to meet global competitiveness. We have trained more than four (4)  students and are still counting, just in the space of two years plus.

Now, we clearly understand the business of shoemaking in the Nigerian environment. We are also passionate about changing the narratives around shoe-making for young graduates in Nigeria.