Neil the genuine leather craftsman

October 28, 2021

By Omilla Mungroo. I had not seen a “poya” case since my grandfather was alive! A “poya” case or cutlass case is used by people who hunt, plant crops or do some kind of farming for a living. So when I saw one hanging at the front of Neil’s leather shop I had to gasp and exclaim, “Aay, you know how long I ain’t seen one of these?” He smiled and replied, “Yeah, I make cutlass cases too.”

Ashwood Top Zip Leather Tote Bag Black

A beautiful to touch leather hold-all bag that will serve the shopper, commuter, or workplace with style and luxury.

US$102.26

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Neil makes and repairs anything leather

Every time I pass by Neil’s leather shop he would always wear a smile and have something cheerful to say. No matter how you felt, he’d make you smile or forget what you were unconsciously frowning about.

Neil Audain is thirty-five years old and started his own leather works shop since May 2012 on #20, Devenish Street, Arima where he makes and repairs sandals, slippers, handbags, hats, wallets, accessories like belts, key chains, earrings, and yes, even cutlass cases, all out of genuine leather.

Learning to work with leather

Neil said he always loved craft since school days. “My father was a mechanic. And one day a man came to see him about his car, and noticed I liked craft, so he asked my father if I could work for him in his shop in San Juan.” Neil worked for 14 years doing the craft at the man’s shop. He said he started in September 1995 sewing shoes. He learnt to make the other stuff later on.

When I asked about the competition he faces around the town in Arima, he said his customers tell him there is none, and he smiled brightly. It seems it’s the least of his concerns because he takes great pride in his work, and says he does it just for the love of it.

Ashwood Men’s Leather Belt Black

100% buffalo hide leather

Handmade

Strap can be cut and adjusted for smaller waists (optional- simply undo screw to rear of belt)

Width of belt strap 3.5cm

Small = 30″-32″

Medium = 34″-36″

Large = 38″-40″

XL = 42″-44

2XL= 46″-48″

3XL = 50″-52″

4XL = 54″-56″

5XL = 58″- 60″

US$34.46

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Contact Neil via phone or visit him in Arima

I can attest to that because he had engraved my son’s name on a belt right after our conversation when I revisited him the same day. He beckoned me near the work station to see how it was done. I smiled and understood clearer what he meant by, “I do it for the joy and the expression on customer’s faces.”

I thanked him for the belt and told him that if my grandfather was still alive I would have bought him one of those “poya” cases for Fathers’ Day and he would just love it.

Neil also does shoe repair at his shop. He can be contacted at 868-382-4183, but if you are in Arima anytime, you should pay him a visit on Devenish Street. As he said, “I can make anything with leather.”

June 2014 – Issue 10 www.sweettntmagazine.com