Keelung has no shortage of boutique, specialist stores selling hand-crafted goods skillfully prepared by the city’s locals. A good day in Keelung could simply involve wandering from shop to shop, browsing everything from art supplies and collector edition books to handmade clothes and camera parts.
If premium handmade leather goods is what you’re after, then Tzaba is the place to go. Tzaba offers a range of handmade leather items, including bags and purses, as well as custom made pieces making perfect gifts or fashion accessories.
The homely and inviting store is owned by Cyan who has been making leather goods in Keelung for several years.
Name: Cyan
Job: Owner of Tzaba Leather Goods store
"Living in this city is, in my opinion, more refreshing and pleasant than people imagine."
What makes Keelung unique?
Keelung is a city that’s a little forgotten. It’s probably the only place in Taiwan where the city center has the ocean right in it. So no matter how you come to Keelung — whether by big cargo truck, driving, or taking the bus — as soon as you arrive in Keelung, you’ll see the ocean. Sometimes there are even large cruise ships there bringing in tourists and visitors.
What place in Keelung holds special memories for you?
There’s a mountain called Hongdan Mountain. My grandparents used to live there, and we had a little vegetable garden on the mountain. We would often go hiking and catch cicadas. Those are my very happy childhood memories from around that mountain.
What is something people might not know about Keelung?
People’s impression is often that Keelung is rainy and kind of gloomy. But actually, living here, I think there’s another side that people rarely see — life here is really comfortable. Since we’re so close to the ocean, in the summer I can go for a swim at midday or have a picnic in the park, and then come back to work afterwards. Living in this city is, in my opinion, more refreshing and pleasant than people imagine.
If you were to leave Keelung, which food would you miss the most?
If I ever leave Keelung, I think I’ll really miss the seafood. Because here, whether you’re eating seafood or buying it, it’s very convenient and always available. And since it’s so convenient, it’s always fresh. Even simple ways of preparing it taste really delicious.
Browse Cyan’s wonderful leather goods at her store, Tzaba.
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