Slovenia's 'umbrella doctor' weathers the economic storm

Lah worked alongside her father for 14 years before carrying on the business after he passed away. Photos: Jure Makovec/AFP

While most people believe a malfunctioning umbrella means you have to buy a new one, Slovenian Marija Lah – one of Europe's last umbrella repairers – has spent her life proving them wrong.

"Everything can be repaired! I believe I can repair 98% of all the umbrellas I get," the 56-year-old laughs, waving around a 50-year-old model to demonstrate its quality.