I am writing this on behalf of my father. My grandfather actually found the little store located on Via De La Paz over two decades ago to work on his craft of repairing goods such as belts, shoes, jackets, etc. He was a skilled craftsman in Armenia working with leather, suede and other fine materials. Like divine intervention when my grandfather had to retire as the drive was too much for him along with age, my father in conjunction had to stop what he was doing at the time which was delivering brand name outfits as the clothing shops were closing down. They had the idea for my father to inherit the store as he also has familiarity with the materials and types of articles of clothing that would be brought in for repair. Before you know it, with my father’s great social skills, light hearted humor and skill, he became more known in the community than my grandfather.
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
I am writing this on behalf of my father. My grandfather actually found the little store located on Via De La Paz over two decades ago to work on his craft of repairing goods such as belts, shoes, jackets, etc. He was a skilled craftsman in Armenia working with leather, suede and other fine materials. Like divine intervention when my grandfather had to retire as the drive was too much for him along with age, my father in conjunction had to stop what he was doing at the time which was delivering brand name outfits as the clothing shops were closing down. They had the idea for my father to inherit the store as he also has familiarity with the materials and types of articles of clothing that would be brought in for repair. Before you know it, with my father’s great social skills, light hearted humor and skill, he became more known in the community than my grandfather.
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
My grandfather first bought Palisades Shoe Repair the year of 1994. My father inherited Palisades Shoe Repair right at 2005 when he retired until when the fires started.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
My father really enjoyed interacting with everybody who came in. He would not recognize some of the celebrities that would come in actually but he had quite a few coming in. The shop was in a plaza with other surrounding businesses and everyone knew him, loved him and would stop by to say hi. It was a small, happy family, home away from home.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
As I mentioned above all of the other business owners nearby and customers knew each other like a small town setting. When someone needed help my father along with the other individuals would step in to lend a hand. It was a slower paced more relaxed environment as well which allowed for us social interaction and lending of hand to come through.
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
How willing everyone is to help, how kind people are, and the clean air that can’t be beat. My father would take a walk down Via De La Paz street up until the street ended and would come back in the mornings before opening shop.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
I know all of the businesses in the plaza we worked in on 860 Via De La Paz and the surrounding business such as the dry cleaners, there was a nail salon across and the Palisades Elementary Charter just a few feet away from me. There were beautiful houses I would see on my walks down to the ocean and how still the streets were.
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
I cannot pinpoint on one because everyone was so sweet. From the individual who would take the keys for the parking structure, to the neighbors I would greet on my daily walks to some of the celebrities that came to visit me to shadow for a movie actually, the movie The Cobbler. Adam Sandler has come to visit my shop to shadow a day in the life.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
I recall that afternoon my son called saying there’s a fire nearby which I couldn’t believe but he said to evacuate to avoid traffic on the freeway. I already have an hour long drive without other external factors coming in to play. Once the aftermath happens you can’t help but look back on the sentimental aspects and why you didn’t grab that photo, or this tool, etc. but grateful that we made it all out safe and sound.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fires?
Our parking structure assistant lives in the area and he said he will report back to me if anything happens. Once we saw how bad it got he was one of the first to go back and record a video of the aftermath. The devastation was unimaginable like a war zone.
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
How a community with a strong foundation and individuals willing to work together can try and rebuild a community back up to make it whole. This website being an example of trying to build back a community.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
Always say hi and wave when passing, even if you don’t know them. It brings down the initial barrier people can have.
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I served in the military when I was 15-16 years old back in Armenia and I played a lot of pranks on the soldiers and even generals. Would love to share those stories one day.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I was forced to retire early due to the fires, I was well on my way to retirement and was wondering how I would go about it. The fires automatically made that decision for me, I would not mind having some jobs here and there to work on at home to keep me busy. To contact me, please email Allen.Stambulyan@gmail.com or call 213-393-5063. You can also reach me on Instagram @Palisades_Shoe_Service.
