Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in footwear but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vauna Lafond, CEO of SoftSoul Footwear INC., located in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are SoftSoul Footwear INC; we are a leisure brand of slippers for babies and adults (releasing soon). We provide “conscious” comfort for the modern family. This means all our slippers are made from eco-friendly textiles and cork fabric imported from Portugal and are Peta-verified vegan. We focus our efforts on reducing the impact the fashion industry has on our planet, promoting slow fashion - not on Amazon and natural replacements for leather.
Tell us about yourself
After working in the footwear industry for ten years, I took some time off to raise my children - today, I’m a mother of 4. Our second son was highly sensitive to chemicals and store-bought products. I was searching for a natural slipper for him -not polyester and non-leather (we had just turned animal-free), and I could not find any. At this time (pre-pandemic), you needed inside slippers for everything, daycare, in-door play at the rec center, and studies being released stated the importance of infants wearing soft sole slippers in order to learn to walk.
After further research, I discovered cork fabric from Portugal and started designing small batches of slippers as a creative outlet. I am always so motivated by the modern family; in 2022, you can be whoever and whatever you want. Now is the time to have different options, and why haven’t we seen an eco-friendly, non-animal slipper available in Canada? I feel the information is at your fingertips, and the ability to go against the grain of what everyone is telling you is “cool” or “fashion” and “what has always been done” is super motivating to me. I design for the forward-thinking family regardless of gender, race, or age - that provides me great honor.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It never gets old being out and seeing families with babies wearing your product. I feel a great honor that people have chosen to purchase something I created for their baby. Your baby is so special, and I don’t cut a single corner because I know their importance to my customers. The trust that provides in my heart brings tears to my eyes.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management. I have four kids; I send emails at 3 am - I dedicate 24 hours to this business. I was packing orders three days after the birth of my twins. When you are that invested, it can be hard to balance time properly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up.
- Research everything, and set clear values and goals for yourself and your business.
- Make tons of mistakes
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Adult slippers are coming soon - I promised - ha!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://softsoulfootwear.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/softsoul/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SoftSoulfootwear/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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