Welcome!
TerraSole Studio (pronounced "Terra-Solay") is a handmade Italian-leather sandal brand and bespoke design service.For the custom-made sandal design experience, in a 1x1 session or small group, you and I design your sandals, select the type of leather, colors, and fit them precisely to your feet. I travel to my customers for these in-person sandal making sessions. Guaranteed to be a very unique experience and your new favorite sandals - designed by you!All sandals are handcrafted by me in Scituate and Nantucket, Massachusetts. You may see some of my designs in local stores on the South Shore of Massachusetts, where I live.Please email me with any questions or to book your session!(PS-the photo to the right was taken in Sorrento, Italy, one of the places where I learned this craft. Pretty amazing to craft while overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius in the background!)
behind the studio
how it started
I come from a long line of shoe lovers - we believe you can never have enough! As for me, my preferred footwear has always been sandals. If not in sandals, I tend to prefer to be barefoot…and outside! I’m happiest outside, in the sun…hence, Terra (“earth) Sole (“sun”) Studio.So how did TerraSole start? I'm a daughter of an entrepreneur in the tech space, I too followed the corporate path and have spent over 17 years at various tech companies. While the corporate path has served me well, it started becoming less and less fulfilling as the years went on and I always felt like I wanted something more, something creative, something mine.Now in addition to my successful entrepreneur father, I am also half my mother, a solopreneur and handcrafter. My mother is a Nantucket basket weaver, where she has mastered this historic craft and now hosts workshops and sells her goods on Nantucket and throughout New England. Like my mother, I love to create with my hands, and I wanted something that sparked my creative side - I found Italian sandal making.Once I discovered Italian sandal making, it was within a few short weeks that I found myself on a plane to Sorrento, Italy, where I would learn this incredible craft right in the heart of its origin.I jumped on this opportunity not only for me, but for my family, especially my kids. I want them to know that they should follow their passions, find what lights them up and brings them joy - and go after it wholeheartedly.Here's to embracing what inspires us and bringing our passions to life! A heartfelt thanks for supporting me and my small business!
Neala
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a student of the craft
in italy
I had the privilege of learning how to craft sandals, right where it all started - the southern coast of Italy. I spent time touring stores where I could see the unique styles and endless creativity in Italian sandal making. I learned the details of designing and fitting custom sandals and I met with my materials supplier, toured their facility, and got to view and feel different leathers and soles and select what aligned for my brand.In a world of fast fashion and mass production, I’m drawn to the artistry and intention of Italian sandal making - from sourcing premium leather to creating each unique design. It’s all about quality and craftsmanship.I'm one of a few sandal artisans outside of Italy, handcrafting in this traditional way, something I absolutely treasure. I get to expose my little piece of the world to a this beautiful handcraft and being from Italian decent myself, this craft holds an extra special place in my heart.
supreme comfort
Benefits of Custom Design
Beyond choosing your leather-type (nappa or suede), the leather color, and design of your sandal, there are other big benefits to a custom-made sandal.There are so many women who say they can't wear a certain style sandal, but it's because mass-made shoes are designed to a "standard" size and shape foot, but as we know, we all have different feet. Custom sandal design allows for correct strap placement for your foot, so there's no chafing or discomfort, just the perfect sandal made to fit your little tootsies.As for the soles, I have opted for a slight cushion between the layers of fine Tuscan leather. There are other mainstream leather-soled sandals, and I for one, don't find them comfortable. The soles I've chosen for TerraSole are comfortable at first wear. I've heard this from many of my happy customers. The other benefit of leather soles is they mold to your feet over time and only increase in comfort. If cared for well, your sandals will last, and be comfortable, for years and years!
leather
sandal care
Now that you have a beautiful new pair of Italian leather sandals, let's make sure they are cared for properly.* Do not store sandals for long periods of time (i.e. an entire season) in direct sunlight, it can cause uneven fading based on shadows - store in dust bag or box* Keep sandals dry, as they are entirely made of leather. If they get wet - allow to dry before wearing again* If you'd like your brass tacks to keep their bright gold color, add a drop of clear nail polish to each tack and allow to fully dry before wearing