Meet Taylor Kingsley, the cobbler at Ole’s Boot and Shoe Repair (Olesbootandshoerepair.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – We repair lots of different kinds of footwear, from cowboy boots with square toes or round ones to high-end heels that need the little rubber heel tips replaced.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve been good friends with the owner’s daughter for some time now and have a background in being crafty with my hands, so when I started looking for a different job she suggested I try working at Ole’s. I feel very privileged to have been taught how to maintain and extend the life of just about every pair of shoes I own.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have two brothers and a sister that just had a baby. I’m actually a twin but you’d never know it. My sister-in-law, Hattie, runs a cute little candle shop called Heart & Craft Co. and my other sister-in-law is a pastor at First United Methodist Church.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The most recent was a friend from high-school that took his own life. It really hit close to home. I struggle with my own mental health and asking for help is a lot harder said than done sometimes. Having friends that push me to be a better person and challenge some of the ideas I have goes a long way. I like to remind myself that I’ve survived every “bad” day so far.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – My grandparents owned Wilson Outfitters and Rocky Ford on the Niobrara River. My grandfather, Loren Wilson, is one of the sole reasons the Niobrara wasn’t damned up and used for irrigation. My Grandma still has the letters he typed up on a type writer and sent to senators.
Who inspires you? – My grandmother. She just has so much spunk, even in her old age. We love to do puzzles together. We did a puzzle of Jesus and framed it for my brother’s wedding gift and the church thought it looked so good they hung it up for a few weeks themselves.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Whistling, I guess. It annoys other people sometimes and can be distracting so I do most of my whistling outside of work.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Arbor Day Foundation. I have a huge love for trees and the conservation of them.
What is your favorite movie? – I love movies! It is so hard for me to narrow it down to one but the few I always gravitate towards when I can’t decide what to watch are Ready Player One, Alita: Battle Angel, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
What is your favorite TV show? – Probably Sword Art Online, but since they just took the first three seasons off of Netflix, I’ve been watching One Punch Man.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Chopsticks Chinese for sure.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – JFK. I really want to know the countries deepest secrets. There just seems to be quite a few mysteries out there and I’m betting he’s got a few answers.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 483-6766; Olesbootandshoerepair.com.