photo by: Nick Krug

Bruce Barlow, owner of BKB Leather, alters a pair of leather boots at his shop Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Barlow has thought about expanding his business or moving it downtown, decided against it because he appreciates the intimacy of his store as it is.

photo by: Nick Krug

BKB Leather owner Bruce Barlow laughs during an interview Thursday, May 5, 2011. Barlow has thought about expanding his business or moving it to downtown, but decided against it because he appreciates the intimacy of his store as it is.

photo by: Nick Krug

BKB Leather owner Bruce Barlow works to repair a leather belt as his wife, Chris, watches and dog, Isadora Duncan, sleeps on the floor nearby.

photo by: Nick Krug

A shoe stretcher is put to work on a pair of flats.

photo by: Nick Krug

Cobbler Casey Smith repairs the heels of a pair of women's shoes at BKB Leather Thursday, May 5, 2011. Although the shop is cluttered with character and nestled in North Lawrence without a steady stream of foot traffic, the business has managed to survive over the years by word of mouth and personality, according to owner Bruce Barlow.