Raul Ojeda is a cobbler savant. He learned how to repair shoes at the foot of the master – Don Willie of Willie’s Shoes on Cahuenga. Ojeda took to the work and honed his skills – eventually mastering the art of creating new shoes, made to measure. His attention to detail and to building shoes in a traditional manner have made him one of the go to LA cobblers for people who appreciate quality footwear.
Eventually, Willebaldo “Willie” Rivera appointed Ojeda his successor and Raul has effectively run Willie’s Hollywood since 2007.
Ojeda’s vision was to present a more current version of a shoe repair shop and with that in mind he took space on the “new” La Brea – moving from Willie’s on Cahuenga to a bright space on the west side of  La Brea, just north of 1st Street and District La Brea. It is the perfect bespoke spot – 1,700 square feet, complete with a big open show room in the front and an open work space in the back where visitors can see the work taking place.
All of the staff at Don Ville is looking forward to celebrating their one year anniversary with the neighborhood this Saturday from 12p-5p in an open house that includes a tequila bar, finger food and DJ Ten Foot Rabbit. In the middle of  all the fun, Ojeda is prepared to conduct a little business – offering a 20% discount on all repair work dropped off during the event.
Don Ville Shoes Bespoke Shoe Shop 113 North La Brea Avenue Open House – Saturday 12p-5p RSVP – [email protected] Don Ville Website  (The name Don Ville is in recognition of Willie Rivera, the original owner of Willie’s Shoes. “Ville” is a nickname for Willie.) Â
And be sure to say hello to Shiny, the resident cat! He enjoys meeting the customers and getting some pets. My kids love going to the cobbler with me because of him!