We live in a society of over-consumption and throwaway shoes, in which many people have forgotten what authentic quality feels like, and so much joy has been lost. When I fall in love with something, it does not just give me joy for a week, but for a lifetime.

My shoes are made for my customers. I’m a good listener, and the shoes come to life during our conversation. I usually start sketching while we talk. I do not need other sources of inspiration. The design develops inside me and reveals itself.

Each person has a unique signature. People don’t buy the product, they buy the maker of the product. Giving joy to others is a blessing, no matter which domain you work in, and you can feel that in the product. I can hardly call it a job; I’m living the dream I had as a boy.

A huge fan of violinist David Garrett came to see me in her wheelchair. She wanted to treat herself to shoes by his shoemaker and learn to walk again, wearing my shoes! It has taken her six years, but she can now walk 100 metres. Being part of her journey has been the highlight of my career.