A Toronto business that's been around for over 10 years is about to close down for a year, but the reason why is wholly out of the ordinary.

For 11 years, shoe repair and leather goods shop, Sole Survivor has been giving Toronto's lost and weary soles a second life, all the while offering a selection of goods to keep your toes in tip-top condition, like leather conditioners, insoles and laces.

The shoe shop, owned and operated by cobbler Lorena Agolli, has amassed a considerable fan base of regulars over the years thanks to its fair pricing and great vibes.

According to a recent Instagram post by Lorena, though, after more than a decade, the sole train is about to leave the station, as she prepares to close up shop a year — but the reason behind the shop's closure might surprise you.

This time, it's not just a figure of speech: Lorena is joining the circus.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by SOLE SURVIVOR by Lorena Agolli aka LO (@solesurvivorshop)

"As many of you may have seen in my newsletter, I am joining Cirque du Soleil as their cobbler for the show 'Kooza,'" she writes in the post.

"Yes, it's true — I'm running away with the circus!"

Despite being heartbroken over the closure of Sole Survivor, Lorena points out that her new career opportunity marks not only a chance for personal and artistic growth, but also creates the opportunity for a different business to move into Sole Survivor's space, breathing new life into the neighbourhood.

"It's an opportunity for renewal and for others to bring their unique energy to the forefront," Lorena writes.

Though the exact closing date of Sole Survivor has yet to be determined, Lorena says that she'll continue to keep the shop open for the next two months or so, tying up loose ends before her new adventure under the big top.

Sole Survivor is located at 46 Noble St. in Parkdale.