"Rana Cheikha works with a small group of handcrafters and businesses to bring you exquisite leather shoes. The aim is to keep alive traditional shoemaking techniques and knowledge in footwear production. By investing in our products, you are supporting a beautiful industry that is slowly being taken over by mass-produced products."
This message is presented on the Rana Cheikha website and has been central to the Brand's identity for the past nine years. However, what happens when this mission is put at risk for reasons beyond anyone’s control? Who is responsible?
Can the brand survive?
Should I even try?
When I started the Rana Cheikha Brand, I drew inspiration from a unique world I created by connecting the expressive styles of Fairuz and Marina Abramović—linking their roots, artistic boundaries, and the emotions they evoke. This inspiration extended from experimental art and performance to the mundane and extraordinary moments of everyday life. Through these concepts, I created designs that blend necessity with creativity, producing items that are timeless, comfortable, and versatile.
Building this Brand has been a challenging journey, filled with mistakes, lessons, and moments of pride. The aim has always been to create meaningful relationships—as much with the artisans who handcraft each product as with the customers who invest in them. Yet, the political and economic instability in Lebanon and the region now threatens this delicate balance. Through it all, I remain committed to supporting craftsmanship and preserving tradition amidst the struggles remains.
Every shoe created at Rana Cheikha reflects the skill and dedication of artisans who have honed their craft over generations. Together, we take pride in preserving traditional techniques, creating footwear that is as beautiful as it is meaningful. In a fast-paced, mass-produced world, we offer something different: authenticity, heritage, and artistry.
The Struggles of Staying True to the Mission
The challenges facing Lebanon—political instability, economic collapse, and safety concerns—have profoundly impacted everyone, particularly to independent businesses, small enterprises, and artisans. Disrupted supply chains, scarce and costly materials, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty add to the strain. Despite these obstacles, my team and I remain steadfast in our mission to preserve traditional craftsmanship and uphold ethical production practices, continuing to bring you the same level of products we have offered for the past nine years. We are equally committed to maintaining a fair balance between product quality and price.
Why Supporting Artisans Matters More Than Ever
Artisan-made products are more than objects; they embody history, culture, and human connection. Today, this is more important and scarce than ever. Supporting handcrafted goods helps sustain the local economy in Lebanon and ensures the survival of skills that might otherwise vanish. In a time when convenience often trumps quality, mindfully choosing every item purchased is a conscious act of preserving tradition.
Despite all struggles, I am inspired by the passion of the artisans I work with and the support of our customers and community. As a Brand, and as an individual, I hold on to hope believing in the power of dedication and creativity to overcome adversity, and consciously choose to keep this beautiful tradition alive.
As always, feel free to reach out to know more about the Rana Cheikha story, or explore more of our blogs from The Shoe Advisor for further insights and tips on all things footwear!
Signing-off: The Shoe Advisor
// Get in touch here or by email at rana@ranacheikha.com for more insight, queries and information //