It started as a simple idea fueled by a wish to create change, and now their impact can be seen all over the world, among people young and old. Stylish, fun, and influential, TOM’s Shoes is changing the world, one foot at a time. In celebration of their third birthday, I’d like to share a bit about the spectacular company.
Three years ago, Blake Mycoskie visited Argentina and was inspired to use his brain and his resources to do some good in the world. He came up with a unique business plan, an effective one at that, which would make helping people easy and efficient- sell one pair of shoes, give one pair away. One for one. This has been the model, the mantra, and the method for TOMS, and it’s done extremely well for them. Since they sold their first shoe in 2006, TOMS has given away 140,000 pairs of shoes in developing countries, changing the lives of people wherever they go.
When you think about it, shoes are definitely something that people can take for granted. I mean, I have at least 20 pairs of shoes in my closet. According to TOMS a whopping 40% of the world’s population lives without shoes. 40%! The statistic is mind boggling when you think about how benign slipping a shoe on your foot can be. In some countries it’s not so benign- shoes are a precious commodity, and the people who go without have to endure walking miles barefoot for basic necessities such as food and water. Not only is walking barefoot uncomfortable, but there’s also a high risk for all kinds of nasty infections and diseases such as podoconiosis, which can cause extreme swelling, ulcers, and deformation in feet and legs. It’s totally preventable with shoes! It’s amazing how much change a simple pair of shoes can make in a person’s life.
Since Mycoskie first came up with the plan for TOMS he’s had a direct hand in making the company expand to what it is today- 140,000 pairs given, a staff of 41, countless interns, a Vagabond tour, and a life changing experience for anyone who becomes involved. From designing shoes to overseeing shoe drops, Mycoskie has a big hand in keeping the company moving, and he doesn’t seem to have plans to stop any time soon.
Blake had this to say about TOMS’ three year anniversary: “A simple idea three years ago has grown in to an incredibly passionate movement. TOMS is focused on rallying our community offline and online so we can create platforms for social change, not with just shoes but with other big ideas. It’s been an amazing experience thus far, to be the Chief Shoe Giver of this revolutionary business, and I know the years to come will bring experiences and opportunities we can’t even yet imagine- our fans and supporters leave no doubt of that.”
What’s particularly spectacular about this business is great they are at getting young people involved. I mean, we are the future, are we not? I hate hearing how apathetic today’s youth are, how lazy, etc. TOMS is a prime example of young people creating positive social change. Take for instance, TOMS Vagabond tour and internship programs- each allows young people to get involved in raising awareness, promoting the company’s goals, and spreading the word on college campuses across the nation, and in this way contributing to the cause. Or consider the One Day without Shoes event. On April 16th, 2009, 47,000 people across the globe- many of them college age kids- took off their shoes to raise awareness for TOMS’ mission. Participants Flickr’d photos of their bare feet, Twittered like crazy, and participated in various events, including a mile long walk at their store in Venice Beach (where you should visit them, it’s a great store with a superb staff).
It’s so simple really, when you think about it. Buy a pair of shoes, give one pair away. Buy a pair of shoes, create a change. Buy a pair of shoes, change someone’s life. What could be better than that anyway?
Thanks TOMS, for all that you do. May you have many more years full of growth, joy, and giving.
For more information on TOMS, where to purchase, how to get involved, etc., visit www.TOMSshoes.com.
–Caitlin Elgin