Me and My Money: He sees shoe shining and restoration as a craft and career

SINGAPORE – The traditional services of shoe shining and shoe restoration get a modern twist from Mr John Chung, who has managed to turn them into a viable business.

He is the founder of Mason and Smith, which offers artisanal shoe care, and Margo and Smith, which deals in high-end handbag restoration.

The business is also Singapore’s first shoe shine and repair salon with a dedicated luxury handbag restoration division.

Mr Chung, 33, started his shoe shine ventures over a decade ago, when he was 21.

He was accepted into Nanyang Technological University but chose to forgo higher education to pursue his business.

He says: “I’m very hands-on and want to experience many things. I didn’t come from a well-off family so I had to work to buy the things I wanted.

“It was indeed very difficult juggling studies and part-time work but I told myself one day I will be rewarded for my hard work and kept pushing on.”

Mr Chung started with just $700 and a fascination for second-hand leather shoes. In 2013, he began buying used leather shoes, restoring them by hand and selling them at local flea markets for a profit.

In 2014, he introduced a shoe shine chair concept in collaboration with The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, offering traditional hand-polished shoe shine services from a classic chair set-up.

In the following year, he launched Singapore’s first dedicated shoe shine bar – a concept that combined professional shoe repair with high-quality, hand-finished shoe shining in a refined setting.

“I developed a strong appreciation for leather as a material – its beauty, durability and ability to withstand the test of time. Some leather artifacts and collectibles can last for decades or even over a century, and the fact that they can be restored and revitalised after years of use truly captivated me,” he recalls.

To hone his craft, Mr Chung undertook a shoemaking apprenticeship in 2016 under Japanese shoemaker Masaru Okuyama in Hong Kong.

He subsequently relocated to Japan to study shoemaking full time, apprenticing with several renowned bespoke shoemakers and immersing himself in traditional Japanese techniques.

“This magical quality of leather sparked a passion that led me to study the material in depth. I discovered that leather is most commonly used in footwear and bags, which pulled me deeper into the world of craftsmanship. That was the beginning of my journey – and of my love for shoes and bags,” he says.

His techniques are now showcased at his dual-concept flagship store in Ann Siang Road.

He has also launched his own ready-to-wear and made-to-order footwear line, alongside digital initiatives to modernise the leather care experience, such as tele-consultations and digital order tracking.

Mr Chung is an A-level holder and his wife, 31, helps to run the business.

A: I bought my first stock while serving in the army – it marked the beginning of my self-taught journey in finance and investing. Without formal academic training, I committed myself to learning independently – reading financial news daily, tracking market movements, and staying informed on global economic trends.

Over time, I developed a strong focus on equity investing, alongside a growing interest in the Singapore property market, which I study closely out of a deep curiosity for how value is created and preserved over time.

Since I do not have a university degree, I’ve always treated every subject I pursue as a kind of “mini degree” – a self-directed course in lifelong learning, grounded in discipline, consistency and passion.

Because of my work in shoemaking and restoration, I also invest time in studying leathercraft and footwear construction. Understanding the materials, history and techniques behind each piece enhances my craft and deepens my connection to it.

A: I don’t collect tangible pieces purely for their potential to appreciate in value – what draws me in are the artistry and story behind each object.

Over the years, I’ve gathered a few meaningful items that reflect my appreciation for craftsmanship. Among them are vintage footwear from the 1970s and 1980s made by Nikolaus Tuczek, a legendary bespoke shoemaker whose work continues to inspire shoemakers even today.

I also collect vinyl records, and one of my most prized possessions is a rare recording by Teresa Teng – a piece that carries both personal and cultural significance. In addition, I own a few select watches crafted by Otsuka Lotec, a small but respected Japanese watchmaker whose mechanical precision and understated design deeply resonate with me.

Each item in my collection reflects a moment, a maker or a tradition that I admire. For me, collecting is not about building a portfolio – it’s about honouring the beauty of craft, history and human expression.

A: I’ve always had a passion for collecting mechanical items like CDs and cameras – there’s something fascinating about the precision and craftsmanship behind them. Music has played a huge role in my life growing up. My dad was a big fan of hi-fi systems, and many of my childhood memories are wrapped in the sounds of songs and tunes that still stay with me vividly.

Alongside this love for music, my fascination with shoes grew over time and eventually blossomed into the business I run today. I’m also an avid vinyl record collector, constantly drawn to the warmth and authenticity that only records can capture.

A: One of my biggest financial mistakes happened early in my investing journey, around the age of 18 to 20. Back then, I would often buy stocks simply because they were popular or seemed like the next big thing. I’d scan the news, anticipate price movements, and trade hastily based on headlines – almost like gambling.

Many of those stocks performed poorly over time, leading to disappointing results. The experience taught me the critical importance of doing thorough research and exercising patience.

A: One of my notable experiences was buying my home during the Covid-19 pandemic. I wanted to handle the entire transaction myself but didn’t know where to start, so I began by studying the Council for Estate Agencies, or CEA, textbook. This gave me a solid foundation in the basics of home ownership.

From there, I dived deeper – reading books and researching various details to ensure I was well-informed throughout the process. Ultimately, I found a well-valued home in Tampines, which has since appreciated by $200,000.

A: Growing up, my family lived simply and frugally, which instilled in me a mindset of making the most out of what you have. That background helped shape the values I brought into my business – prioritising function, sustainability and thoughtful spending over flashy beginnings.

A: I wanted to be a footballer. I did join the national junior under-14 soccer team eventually, but I grew out of that dream.

A: I own a four-room resale flat in the east.

A: A green Volkswagen Golf.

A: I would kick-start the day with a good run, have an amazing and nutritious breakfast and spend time with my loved ones.

A: I would set aside a portion to donate to those in need, as giving back has always been important to me. Since I was 18, I’ve been actively visiting orphanages overseas and have made it a point to give whenever I can. With the remainder, I would invest in property – an area I’ve studied closely and believe in for long-term growth and stability.

A: Buy a second-hand item, add value to it, sell it and continuously flip it multiple times with various different products for profit. This is probably the best way to increase that small pot of cash and grow it quickly.