Ondrej Holzman
At first glance, the profession of shoemaker does not go well with modern technologies, but the renowned Czech shoemaker Radek Zachariaš shows that it is definitely not science fiction. He is active mainly on social networks and the iPhone is his important helper. He will talk about his traditional craft and its connection with modern conveniences at this year's event iCON Prague. The apple maker has now interviewed him briefly so that you have an idea of what you can look forward to.
When they say shoemaker, few people associate this traditional craft with the world of modern technology and social networks, but that's exactly what you did. One moment you're sewing custom-made shoes with honest handwork, and the next you're picking up an iPhone and telling the whole world about it. How did the iPhone and modern technology get into your shoemaker's workshop?
My first acquaintance with an Apple product took place twenty years ago. That's when I started needing a computer for accounting for my shoe repair business. At that time, operating a regular PC was completely beyond my understanding. I think there was no Windows back then. By chance I came across an Apple computer at an exhibition and discovered that I could operate it even without instructions, quite intuitively. It was decided. I then leased an Apple Macintosh LC II.
I was an Apple guy for a few years, but then I couldn't keep up with the times and ended up with old Windows PCs for a lot of years. I just watched Apple, there was no money for new machines.
Years later, when I started making custom luxury shoes, I was delighted to notice that some of my customers had iPhones. The first device I bought was an iPad 2. I wanted to use it mainly to present photos of shoes to customers. But I immediately found that I would use it more than the PC. I went everywhere with my iPad and regretted not being able to make phone calls with it. I even paid for training from Petr Mára, and it started to dawn on me that I absolutely need an iPhone.
Radek Zachariáš can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. What was the motivation for entering the world of social networks - did you primarily want to share what you do with the world, or was there some marketing intent from the beginning?
It wasn't until I bought the current iPhone 4S that I understood the purpose of social networks. I had a Facebook profile before, but it didn't make sense to me. Everything was very tedious. Posting the photos taken with the camera was a whole evening's work. And with the iPhone, I could do it all in no time. Take, edit and share.
Then when I discovered Instagram, I discovered that I could even realize my "artistic" ambitions. I've been on Instagram for almost three years now. In the beginning, I created posts on networks just because I enjoyed it. Without any other intention. I just decided to maintain a certain form and connection to the craft.
Have you felt in your business that you are moving in the world of the Internet? Did you start getting orders through social networks, did more people learn about you, or are you looking for inspiration on the networks?
Only over time did it become clear that activity on social networks actually works as marketing. In my case, I don't get direct orders on the networks, but it has another benefit. More on that at iCON, where I'd also like to talk about how I gradually discovered that the iPhone helps me where I hit the limits of my abilities.
In your profile on the iCON Prague website, it says that you can only get by with an iPhone. But do you also use a Mac or an iPad for it? What are the most essential mobile tools for you, apart from the social networks themselves?
Maybe when you first buy an iPhone, you think you're getting a cell phone. But it is now a mobile personal computer. It can do a lot of things, so why limit yourself to just calling, texting and e-mailing. Although even that has been wonderfully simplified thanks to him. I currently use my iPhone 6 Plus, apart from communication, for office matters, obtaining information, as a means of entertainment, a tool for navigation, for creation and for marketing.
I use several apps in each of those areas and try to discover and use other options. Outside the network, I most often use Evernote, Google Translate, Feedly and Numbers. What I like most about the iPhone is that I can always have it with me and use it whenever I need it. Today I also have an iMac, but I only use it for certain tasks that would be difficult to do on an iPhone.
You can find Radek Zachariáš and his services at zacharias.cz and the last weekend in April too at the iConference as part of iCON Prague 2015.
I've been following Radek on IG for a long time and not only thanks to his precise shoemaking, but also thanks to his passion for Apple products, I keep my fingers crossed for him with every post. The cobbler will pay here!!!! thumbs up for the gentleman….and tradition is what we will miss in a while
Me, dare I say, "artistic craftsmen" like Mr. Zachariáš have been missing for several years.
Yes, accounting on LC with the unsurpassed Účetní as program from Cabria Software touched many of us from the Apple OldSchool. Loyalty to Apple Inc. even later, when the stock was below $3, it paid off for us. No one will take away our memories.
His shoes are chunky. Now I have to find a director position so I can afford them for 45 capers. For example, I could be the director of ČEZ, at least for a month or two :-D
A nice combination of classic craftsmanship and modern times. I'm thinking of having my shoes made to measure, because store-bought ones often don't fit. Here I found another article about tailor-made shoes, also interesting:
https://magazin.svetbot.cz/9-boty-na-miru-se-vraci-do-mody-cim-vas-mohou-prekvapit.xhtml