Tell us about Koom and why you decided to launch it.
Koom are minimalist footwear made of cotton canvas textile and natural rubber sole. It is unisex and a must-have item for casual urban outing and sunny beach leisure fun.
Koom proudly supports the environment, using only natural components and sourcing them ethically.
The Koom footwear is so simple and neutral that it only makes sense.
I launched Koom because I was curious about whether I was capable of building a sustainable business and witness how far it could fly - no pressure, step by step, good or bad. just want a challenge!!
What do you like most about it?
The experimental part !!!
It is like the little chemist game for kids. For each action you do, there is a reaction.. you ask yourself what if..? and witness the result.. whether expected or totally surprising.
For example, if I spend time and energy on seeding prospects, results will only flourish after quite some time. The more accurate the attention you apply, the more reaction you will get.
The cycle is that you build strategy, ask, learn, implement, take a risk, fail, adjust, implement, win, celebrate.. you can never get bored.
Do you have any funny, exciting, or touching anecdotes you want to share about Koom Koom Shoes?
When I first started producing the Koom shoes I had no place to store them, so I basically got them wildly piled up at home, which is fine to me. Except I am sharing the flat with an old mate. I am so grateful for his patience because for weeks the living room, the kitchen, the back yard all turned into a battlefield full of boxes, bags, and shoes. Literally everywhere. You could not even sit on the couch. The only one who enjoyed it was the cat.
What do you find most fulfilling about the work?
Friends' support.
When starting a new venture you are involved in every aspect of your business, whether you love it or love it.
In my case, things like manufacturing, marketing, freight, branding, incorporation, patterns, web, graphism, media, public relation, prospection, sales, cash flow, accounting were distant concepts. Unless you are good at everything, you need some serious support!
My friends and family are super supportive. I am often spending time with each of my little fields experts, who show me the path to solve issues and point to me new perspectives. Without them, I would be blind!
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Koom
Donald Do of Koom chats about his venture + Adventure in sustainable footwear + social cause.