I have the bootblacking gig of my dreams!! Multiple questions for folks in the bdsm scene~
I started learning 3-4 years ago and practicing on my own boots (first pic) and my bf’s (2nd pic), repeatedly, and some friends’ shoes here and there. I posted an ad on the feeld dating app a couple weeks ago and am completely booked for private (polite, professional) sessions. There is one person who is having me do their gear (harnesses, straps, cuffs, collars, gloves, unique pieces) and am so happy and it’s honestly the dream because I get to spend hours with special and loved pieces. I really enjoy the act of service and the praise.
My routine:
asking about choices for care (laces, whether to fill scuffs or condition them, dye or no dye, worn during or taken off) > dust off excess w/ large brush > saddle soap or leather honey cleaner > conditioning w/ renovateur or leather honey > soft glow w/ médaille d’or or mirror shine with layers of pâte de luxe w/ spritz of water and couple layers of médaille d’or. optional: laces with my jar of soapy water that sit drying in a towel during the shine; lighter for loose threads; washcloth + soapy water for extra attention around the sole; toothbrush for removing gravel from treads/lugs. I prefer to use my hands for most of this but use cotton clothes/brushes for finalizing.
Some questions:
Mirror Shine
- Just learned how to mirror shine and it doesn’t have that glossy reflection like I see on this sub — how do I get it and with what tools? (1st pic is current best) Also is cracking normal once you start wearing it?
Payment
2. I’ve understood the traditional philosophy is to do this work for free and accept tips per the receiver’s satisfaction. Do you charge? How much or little for different types of care?
Events
3. What would I need to refine to do kink events? I have connections and could easily obtain a gig, but worry about speed (soft glow takes 30 mins but extreme care and attention is involved) + level of expertise needed.
3.5. I’ve heard clients discuss how shoe shines/leather care at events are so fast that they prefer how I do it because of the attention and carefulness, I’m in it for the love of the game haha. Would it be better to just stick with private/personal sessions? Or could just advertise or notify at events the time I will take to complete the work?
Advertisement
4. How do you advertise? I am busy enough with word of mouth and I already have lots of connections. I don’t find it necessary to have a website or dedicated social platform but I don’t know? !!!Do any of you do business cards and is there anything specifically I should write on them, especially given that I am amateur and new?
Miscellaneous
5. What could I add to my kit? (note: pâte de luxe hiding under the scjohnson which I’ve never used and idek where I got that, I still carry it in case).
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for reading and feel free to answer whatever questions. I’m not expecting one person to answer all of them.
:)