COVINGTON, Ky. — Shoe repair has been a job in James Napier’s family since 1969. He said his father initially owned and operated a shoe repair business in Covington.

“Covington has always been good to my family and my father. He has always said that Covington helped him to take care of us. I’m one of twelve kids,” Napier said.

He said he’s traveled all over while touring as a musician. He’s also spent some time in Delaware.

But Napier said that after his father passed away, he decided it was time to bring the shoe repair business back to Covington. On 27 East 7th Street in Covington, Factory Finish is now open. 

“I felt I owed it to Covington to come back and show my appreciation for my family, my father, and myself,” Napier said.

He said it’s definitely not the most common business to open up in 2022.

“You don’t see them often—but it’s actually busier than you think,” he said.

He said many people seek fixes to things that are falling into disrepair, especially during tough times, so they don’t have to go out and buy something new.

“He says you know you learn this trade and wherever you go in the world, if they wear shoes, you can get a job,” Napier said.

He’s one to fix purses and hats as well.

You’ll find his passion for music also placed in photographs, CDs and other memorabilia scattered throughout the shop. He likes to point out some people he’s met while out touring—including M.C. Hammer.

“The only thing that my friend M.C. Hammer has on me is he’s got a doll and I don’t yet and I keep telling him I’m going to get my own doll one day,” Napier said.