PART 4
Most people want presents for Christmas, but we also want to give to charity too, so why not have both? Meet Blake Mycoskie you might remember him from his stint on The Amazing Race, but don't be fooled by the pretty face. He is the CEO and founder of Toms Shoes. These shoes have been featured in everything from Time Magazine to Teen Vogue.
His Background: He was a professional tennis player until the age of 19, when he injured his Achilles tendon, then turned around and made his fortune as an entrepreneur, but then decided to give all his stuff away and live on a sailboat off the coast of LA with his girlfriend actress Maggie Grace (TV show lost). How he says his job title his "Shoe giver".
The Idea: For every shoe you buy (retail around 40-45 USD) he will give an exact pair to someone in need.
"I felt charity was something you did when you were older" "But then I was in Argentina on holiday, playing polo and drinking wine, when I saw children who didn't have shoes, but had to walk for hours every day."
"I thought about their problem from an entrepreneurial standpoint. Rather than asking people to donate money, I would get them to buy shoes and build a free pair into the business model. I spent a month learning how to make shoes, and that was it. I wish it were more complex."
So two years ago he came back to the states, sold his interest in his business and used the money to hire a shoe guy from Nike and the rest his history.
The shoes: The canvas is made from hemp, recycled cotton or recycled bottle tops, with a soft leather instep. The shoes he gives the children have a more durable leather, so it will last much longer.
Add bonus: For 1800$ USD paid through their website you can join them on one of their shoe drop offs. This would include your
Source & Source
TODAY'S SONG:
22 comments:
i like your blog......
I have the navy ones!!! In 10 years I'll probably have this huge collection of them... haha
What a wonderful wonderful wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing this info :o) xx
Toms shoes are so awesome! I wish I had the money to buy a pair.
Good initiative! I am afraid they will not arrive to Spain :(
Hi babe, can you link me? I've had you linked for ages.
http://ohelle.blogspot.com
Hi babe, can you link me? I've had you linked for ages.
http://ohelle.blogspot.com
Ah yes they are great for summer and a good cause too!
Jen this is an amazing post,amazing guy! such an inspiration.thank you for sharing this.
muah x
Marian
Tom's shoes are quite cool! roz actually has a pair!
OMGosh Jen that was an insightful post... I have never heard of this until now. I am so moved. I want to go out and buy a pair just to support such a great cause.
i love you jen. this is such a great idea. thanks for sharing wonderful thought not only for christmas, but also for the rest of the year.
At first I thought Tod's was some hipster phenomenom but then I realized it was such a good cause. I think when it gets warmer out, I am going to get a pair to wear with short shorts!
Wow I've really only seen the Toms in the solid colors, but all the different patterns and sequins and such are soooo cool! I def want a pair! And I knew they donated to charity, but I didn't know to what extent. Taking one of those trips would be awesome.
xoxo Isabella Clarisse xoxo
www.tasteoffashionkar.blogspot.com
i like this post. i think x-mas is about giving rather than receiving.
Great post! Oh, and I'm so happy you remembered Mariah, I love her!!
I knew about Toms shoes but I didn't know there was such a cool guy behind it! I highly admire people like this, he not only lived many lives in his young age but he ended up doing something so great for the world. This guy will definitely come up with more great ideas in the future!
This is a great idea!! I wished I could do the shoe drop off! It's def a fun and enriching experience!
For once; it makes me wonder about Manalos and Louboutins which costs about a thousand bucks a piece and how a USD$40 pair would mean the world to these children...
what a wonderful post for the holidays, really an inspiration. and i love the green boots!
How inspirational. Truly amazing, thanks for sharing!
I've heard of these several times, but never so in depth. It truly is a lovely idea!
Another amazing post!
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