Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Hey I Received a Bootblack Title; Now What Do I Do?

I know I haven't posted much recently, mostly because of work and other things and, thank God, lots of busy bootblacking.

In June I was honored to receive the title of Philadelphia Bootblack 2015 and I'm still wondering what exactly to say about it. I'm happy, of course. I have a black and blue leather sash that I wear to Leather events. I was in the Philadelphia Pride parade, so hot I thought I was going to pass out right off the truck into the crowd. Wondering if even a handful of people looking at me even know what a Bootblack is.

At this point I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I'm supposed to do with this title.

I've gotten some good advice from other title winners. "Don't burn yourself out," they say. "Do what you can." While others caution on overspending. "I've known title winners who have gone bankrupt during their title year," another friend tells me. Yikes.

As an introvert type, I don't care for the spotlight. I like working in the dark, my hands on leather, caring for the person in my chair. So I'm just not sure what I should be doing.

Like caring for leather in a dark, hazy leather bar, I am feeling my way along.


  • I try to get to as many places as I can reasonably afford. 



  • If I am asked to do a demonstration, I am happy to do that. 



  • I will work charity events, as many as I am able to do.



  • If you ask me, "So what IS a Bootblack, anyway?" I will tell you as much as you want to know.


That's all I have to say right now...here is an obligatory pic from my big day...