For our next Second City Bootblacks Member Spotlight we are highlighting Atlas as he prepares for his run for International Mr. Bootblack next weekend!
Atlas (he/him) is a queer, transmasc, Leather Daddy and Leather boy and is the current Route 66 Bootblack. He is also the house bootblack for Women. Trans, and Non-Binary (WTNB) Leather Nights in Chicago. His joy is mentoring new bootblacks and he’s overwhelmed with pride watching his “babies” Treads and Rocky succeed. Atlas will be competing for the coveted title of International Mr. Bootblack and the Second City Bootblacks are proud to give him our endorsement and support.
Follow him on his journey on socials @anotheratlas66 or Atlas Rose on FB.
#bootblack #secondcitybootblacks #shineon
One of our very own, Atlas Rose, will be gracing the stands and stage at IMLBB with the return of the title of International Mr Bootblack.
Come out and help us wish Atlas luck, connect with members of Second City Bootblacks and Leatherfolk in the community, and gear up for IMLBB weekend!
Additionally, title pins will be available for purchase as a keepsake.
We can’t wait to see him shine! See you there! Friday May 15, 8 pm at Jackhammer, Front Bar. 6406 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
A week before IMLBB, the @brownelephant shop in Andersonville has their annual pop up Leather Sale! Most of these pieces have sat in storage for an entire year and some even longer before being kindly donated.
Members of Second City Bootblacks did a blitz we’re calling “Operation Breathe a Second Life to Leather” and spent an afternoon caring for and loving on leather, boots, garments and accessories. These well conditioned pieces are now ready to be sold starting May 16 and we hope to see them in action in the festivities to come!
With two locations across Chicago, Brown Elephant Resale Shops are your source for fashionable finds, home décor, and everyday vintage style. Whether it’s a new outfit or a whole new wardrobe, redecorating one room or redesigning your whole home, you can find it at Brown Elephant. All proceeds support LGBTQ+ healthcare and fund care for the uninsured and under-insured at Howard Brown Health.
This was an invaluable experience to serve the community and an opportunity to care for various types of leather, both seasoned and baby Bootblacks benefitted from. We hope to continue this event for many years to come as we are happy to support the great work @howardbrownhealth continues to do!
#leather #bootblacks #communityservice #secondcitybootblacks
starting off a busy May with some of our lovely Second City Bootblacks representing at Chicago Leather Pride Weekend!
across three days and plenty of events, make some time to be tended to by extremely skilled hands (and paws!), and as always, remember to tip your bootblacks. the polish and knowledge doesn't come cheap! get yourself all prettied up, support the Archives, and connect with our local community :3
The Second City Bootblacks made our baking debut at Cupcake Wars and raised money for @broadwayyouthcenter ! A sweet time was had by all. #cupcakewars #bootblacks
Second City Bootblacks is proud to introduce our first Member Spotlight because we believe in CELEBRATING OUR BOOTBLACKS!
Finch Canis (he/it) is a queer and trans boy dog who is sometimes more boy and sometimes more dog depending on the day. He loves bootblacking because he loves preserving Leather history, educating people, and all around being a good dog. It can be found bootblacking various events around Chicago when he is not organizing events for Second City Bootblacks. One of the most unique items in his bootblack kit is a slicker brush as he will never miss an opportunity to give another good dog a grooming. You can follow him on socials @canis.aves or @puppyboyfinch #bootblack #bootblacking #secondcitybootblacks #celebrateyourbootblack
Everyone came to class ready to learn and put their best two fingers forward!!!! Topics discussed ranged from cream polish versus conditioners, ice cold water, entry level and high end polishes, bootblack stand expectations, and textured leathers. The excitement could be felt at @gerberhart and throughout Rogers Park once the mirror toe appeared before their eyes!!!
Give @secondcitybootblacks a follow for updates on future classes, skill shares, socials and more!!!
Much love,
Tito Joey
#leather #bootblack #mirrorshine
@titojoeyr 's class for Second City Bootblacks is causing quite the stir.
This free class has a capped capacity so make sure to RSVP today to get in on the #bootblackmagic #bootblack #bootblacking
Second City Bootblacks motto is “Breathing a Second Life into your leathers”.
Sometimes, we mean it quite literally!
Pup Finch and Bootblack Atlas are seen here demonstrating a technique that involves breathing hot air on a freshly shined boot to give that “finishing touch” to a shine. ✨
Want to learn these techniques in real time? Join us at an upcoming event! Link in bio.
#bootblack #bootblacking #secondcitybootblacks #highshine
Achieving a mirror shine on your boots doesn’t have to be an act of magic!
In this free class Tito Joey will be teaching the fundamentals of achieving the high shine of your wildest dreams.
This is a 201 workshop so participants should come to the table with a basic understanding of bootblacking. It is also recommended that attendees have their own polish, brushes and a pair of clean and dry boots that are appropriate for a high shine.
The class is from 2-4pm on Saturday March 7th at the Gerber Hart Library 6500 N Clark St 2nd Fl, Chicago, IL 60626.
Tito Joey will be demonstrating his “magic potion” in addition to providing spray bottles and cloths for the mirror shine exercise. At the end of the class you will be chanting 🪞”Mirror, Mirror on the toe, who’s the shiniest of them all?” ✨
RSVP link in Bio!
#bootblack #bootblacking #highshine
What is a Bootblack Key Party? 👢🔑
We are so glad you asked! 🤔
Come to the party with your kits, your current bootblack projects, and get ready to SWAP!. When the party starts we will be handing out numbers and you will be assigned another bootblack’s project to work on.
This is a chance for bootblacks of all skill levels to get in the fun of “swapping” our projects and our skills. All of this while giving our Post-Valentine's Day leather the love it needs!
Party starts promptly at 11am and concludes at 1pm at no other than the Leather Archives and Museum in Chicago Saturday February 28th.
Come do the ol’ switcheroo with us!
#bootblacks #secondcitybootblacks #bootblacking
✨ Polish your skills. Share the shine. ✨
The Second City Bootblacks are hosting a Bootblack Skillshare 🖤
📅 Saturday, January 24
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 LRA
This is a space to swap tips, tricks, techniques, and knowledge with fellow bootblacks—whether you’re brand new, brushing up, or deep in your craft. Come learn, teach, ask questions, and get your hands (and leathers) dirty in community.
🔗 RSVP + address via the linktree in our bio
Bring your curiosity, your tools, and your love for the art. 👢✨
#SecondCityBootblacks #BootblackSkillshare #LeatherCommunity #Bootblacking #LeatherCare #Skillshare #LRA
