Students are having a hard time finding jobs in the economy right now so many are resorting to creating their own business in order to make a little cash. Well known businesses such as vans are letting their customers customize their own foot wear, but why not take it to another level like designing someone else’s? Hand crafted designs are now being offered by a select talented few.

Shops such as Slip-Offs and Etsy allow special shoes to be designed to what the customer specifically wants. It’s simple, all customers have to do is go online, type up what they want their shoes to look like, send in their order and the owner will contact them with a sketch of their soon to be product before getting to work.  They personally hand paint the design on the shoes so its not a standard shoe print.

Freshman Bryson Willis is located in the Wylie area. He’s a 15 – year-old boy looking to make some extra money on the side.

“I haven’t been doing it long so I can’t do extremely detailed work yet but I’m awesome.”

He charges $30, not including the cost of shoes, and completes an order in one-two days.  Special treatments such as these can cost anywhere from $65-$300 a pair.  Not only is it fun and convenient, but it’s a way to make a gift personal for family, friends and loved ones.