Jimmy Wells
In 1975, young Jimmy Wells was sitting on the stoop of his home on Cleveland Street in New Orleans when a neighbor approached him. Talking of life in the city and the myriad of choices one has, the neighbor ended up luring Jimmy into the trade of shoe repair as an apprentice. He worked at McCory’s on Canal Street for 3 years before branching out and learning from other artisans in Chalmette, and later on Harrison Avenue in Lakeview for Johnny Salvaggio where he studied the crafting of briefcases, bags, and even horse bridles.
Mr. Wells grew up with relatives in Port Arthur, Texas but moved back to New Orleans immediately after high school in 1970. After a stint as a tack welder at Avondale Shipyards, Mr. Wells worked at shoe repair, gathering knowledge and experience at some 30-plus businesses. He developed enough confidence in the craft to open Oak Street Shoe Repair at a building that once was a silent movie theater. At its current location, Oak Street Shoe Repair is the oldest such business in New Orleans, second only to a shop formerly at Dublin and Oak streets according to Pizzo Leather Company of Harahan. 
sandals, ankle boots, belts, suspenders, billfolds, and credit/business card holders. He creates such items out of leather, shark skin (see the belt below), alligator hide, and snake skin that we buys from suppliers in Houston, Oklahoma, California, and even Africa. Mr. Wells has created specialty good for New Orleans-area doctors, lawyers, business people, and anyone who appreciates the art of handmade quality leather and skin goods. He also has made leather Mardi Gras masks on consignment.
Mr. Wells currently splits his time between Houston and New Orleans, but can be caught in his shop at 8114 Oak Street in the Riverbend neighborhood of New Orleans several days a week, or by calling 504-208-8780.
