Tiana Reid — August 11, 2011 — Social Good
References: toms
Trend Hunter has been a longtime fan of everything TOMS Shoes, so it’s amazing that SocialBusiness.org and TrendHunter.com got the opportunity to interview Blake Mycoskie, the creator of TOMS Shoes.
TOMS has been expanding its giving model from shoes to its newest venture in eyewear -- and it doesn’t look like Blake Mycoskie and his team are slowing down anytime soon. Mycoskie shared his passions, inspiration sources and creative strategies with SocialBusiness.org.
Four Questions with Blake Mycoskie
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
I was traveling in Argentina in 2006, just on vacation, and met some community workers who were holding a shoe drive. I was surprised to see so many children who did not have shoes. Their feet had cuts and infections, and there I had the idea to start a shoe company that would serve as a sustainable way of giving. With every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to children. One for One.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
As an entrepreneur, I knew I always wanted to incorporate giving in what I did. However, it was just a matter of finding the right way to do so. With TOMS, I am able to mix my two passions: business and philanthropy.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
From my staff, my travels and people I meet.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Every year, I try to take a month off, away from the computer, turn the phone off… and recharge and get re-inspired.
TOMS has been expanding its giving model from shoes to its newest venture in eyewear -- and it doesn’t look like Blake Mycoskie and his team are slowing down anytime soon. Mycoskie shared his passions, inspiration sources and creative strategies with SocialBusiness.org.
Four Questions with Blake Mycoskie
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
I was traveling in Argentina in 2006, just on vacation, and met some community workers who were holding a shoe drive. I was surprised to see so many children who did not have shoes. Their feet had cuts and infections, and there I had the idea to start a shoe company that would serve as a sustainable way of giving. With every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to children. One for One.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
As an entrepreneur, I knew I always wanted to incorporate giving in what I did. However, it was just a matter of finding the right way to do so. With TOMS, I am able to mix my two passions: business and philanthropy.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
From my staff, my travels and people I meet.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Every year, I try to take a month off, away from the computer, turn the phone off… and recharge and get re-inspired.
Trend Themes
1. Expanding Giving Models - Opportunity for businesses to explore new ways to incorporate philanthropy and social impact into their business models.
2. Sustainable Fashion - Potential for the fashion industry to adopt sustainable practices and give back to communities in need.
3. Entrepreneurship with Social Impact - Growing trend of entrepreneurs seeking to merge their passion for business with a desire to make a positive social impact.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity for fashion retailers to create sustainable and socially responsible products.
2. Social Impact Consulting - Opportunity for consulting firms to assist businesses in developing effective strategies for incorporating social impact into their operations.
3. Travel and Tourism - Potential for travel companies to offer experiences that allow individuals to engage in philanthropic activities while traveling.
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