The Last Shoeshine Woman of San Antonio
In a world where automated services and self-service options are becoming more prevalent, traditional trades like professional shoeshining are rare to come by. However, in downtown San Antonio, Cynthia Guerrero is keeping the shoeshine tradition alive at the Bexar County Courthouse and Justice Center.
Nestled near a bustling automatic glass door, Guerrero stands proudly next to her trusty wooden shoeshine stand, ready to provide a classic shoeshine experience. For eight minutes and eight dollars, patrons can sit back, relax, and enjoy a shoeshine that not only enhances the appearance of their shoes but also boosts their confidence.
Guerrero’s collection of black and brown shoe wax emits a sweet, honey-like aroma as she diligently works her magic. The carnauba wax ingredients, known for their natural quality, create a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of aromatherapy. With each gentle stroke of her shining cloth, the leather shoes come to life with a brilliant shine.
Having spent over two decades perfecting her craft, Guerrero is a shining example of dedication and passion for her work. As a single mother raising two children, she has relied on her shoeshine business to provide for her family, showcasing her resilience and determination in a male-dominated industry.
A Fading Tradition
In a city where convenience often trumps tradition, Guerrero stands out as the sole female shoeshiner in San Antonio with a stand-alone, stationary stand. While some shoe repair shops offer shoeshining services, Guerrero’s commitment to her craft sets her apart in a world where professional shoeshines are becoming increasingly scarce.
The decline of professional shoe shiners can be attributed to the rise of store-bought shoe polishers and synthetic shoe materials, making Guerrero’s traditional approach all the more valuable and unique. Despite the challenges she faces in a changing industry, Guerrero remains steadfast in her dedication to providing top-notch shoeshine services to her loyal clientele.
A Sanctuary of Reflection
Guerrero’s shoeshine stand at the Bexar County complex serves as more than just a place to get your shoes polished. It’s a sanctuary of reflection and camaraderie, where clients, mostly men from the legal profession, find solace in Guerrero’s presence. As they sit in her stand, sharing their worries and concerns, Guerrero listens attentively, offering a listening ear without judgment or advice.
For criminal defense attorney Jose Rocha, Guerrero’s shoeshine stand is a weekly retreat where he not only gets his shoes shined but also engages in meaningful conversations. In a courtroom setting where appearances matter, Rocha acknowledges the importance of a well-shined pair of shoes in leaving a lasting impression on juries and judges.
Beyond the superficial benefits of a shoeshine, Guerrero’s stand provides a much-needed break from the chaos of the courtroom, offering a moment of respite and connection in an otherwise hectic environment. As clients like Rocha and Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark can attest, Guerrero’s shoeshine stand is a place of comfort and tradition in an ever-changing world.
Preserving a Legacy
As Adame-Clark delves into the history of shoeshining at the courthouse, she uncovers a rich tradition that dates back to the early 1900s, if not earlier. Cowboys and county sheriffs once frequented the courthouse for a well-deserved shoeshine, highlighting the longstanding importance of this trade in the legal profession.
Guerrero’s commitment to using Mexican-made wax reflects her dedication to preserving the legacy of shoeshining, ensuring that each pair of boots and shoes receives the highest quality treatment. With brands like “El Oso” (The Bear) filling her shoeshine stand drawer, Guerrero’s preference for superior wax underscores her passion for her craft and the traditions that have shaped it.
In an era where convenience often trumps tradition, Guerrero stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of professional shoeshining. As long as there are leather shoes to polish, Guerrero will continue to shine bright, preserving a legacy that spans generations and showcases the timeless artistry of a profession nearly forgotten.
