Hello Everyone!
Meet one of my favorite earthlings, Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms Shoes, a very cool idea that simply put provides jobs in impoverished parts of the world to experienced craftsmen, that in turn pump out durable, long lasting, and very cool looking and comfortable shoes. And best of all, every time one of us buys a pair of these ultra-hip shoes, his company gives another pair away for free to a child in need in a developing country. Toms Shoes is of course old news to many of us. But that doesn’t make the business any less appealing or admirable. Read more about him and his company below and if you don’t already own a pair, check out their line on his website and pick a few up. What a great idea! This is 21st century capitalism at its finest. Sometimes referred to as “compassionate capitalism” or “creative capitalism” — and exemplified by Bono and his brilliant PRODUCT RED Campaign, it is an idea whose time has arrived. in our lifetimes. And we are all welcomed to join in and play a part in whatever capacity we feel we can best serve or that makes us the happiest. Congratulations and kudos to Blake!
Ed Hale
About Blake
My name is Blake, and I am the Chief Shoe Giver here at TOMS. This is my story, our story, and the daily journey each of you are now participating in.So far we have given over 130,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world.
If you have ever seen the movie The Family Man with Nicholas Cage, you know the song that I am about to reference. It is by the Talking Heads and is one of those songs that you find yourself, for absolutely no reason at all, humming in the shower.
Due to the wondrous powers of the internet, I was able to hunt down the exact words to the chorus:
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful Wife
And you may ask yourself-well…how did I get here?
I mention all of this because I am currently looking at a picture of myself on page 130 of People Magazine. PEOPLE MAGAZINE! The magazine has Owen Wilson on the cover and is due out any day now.
I cannot tell you guys how grateful I am for this experience. This past year-and-a-half has been surreal. It felt like yesterday that I was working out of my apartment in Venice with three interns that I found on Craigslist. TOMS now has 16 full time employees, a large office building, a professional phone system, and if all goes well, a working fax machine in the coming days. I feel so blessed.
I have spent so much time on the road these past few months that I often feel like Nicholas Cage in that movie. Sometimes it feels too good to be true.
So, yes, before I start blubbering, I would just like to thank everyone at People for putting me in their magazine, and all of you for reading this blog. I know that I have said this before, but I am going to start updating this journal every week or so. (double pinkie swear).
Carpe Diem,
Blake