We are so proud of this eco-warrior who has actually been a part of the Kind Karma journey from day one. We first met Christal at the Kind Karma launch event and back then, she was running an amazing online boutique called "The Little Shop of Courage". But after an incredible moment of inspiration and an ingenious idea, she transitioned into creating Brave Soles, a social enterprise that is creating significant change in the sustainable fashion movement. This is her story.
As the founder of an international youth humanitarian organization, Christal had been working and learning from a local community of garbage dump workers since 2005 on the north coast of Dominican Republic. For Christal, every day that she worked alongside the people in that community was an adventure in laughter, connection, and the hard truths about our shared humanity. There were, however, also a heartbreaking amount of tires. They were a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases and they were a toxic nightmare. In 2010, an unexpected turn of events in Christal’s journey left her facing the fact that she was going to have to rebuild her life between two countries. She was now torn between Canada where her career was based and Dominican Republic where her adopted daughter couldn’t leave. Like many parents around the world, she figured out a way to make it work. But all the time, the question was still there: “What could be done with all the tires that are dumped everywhere?”
In early 2017, the idea struck for the first time. Why not use tires for soles on beautiful hand made shoes - and create a way to help the most vulnerable people in the process?
Brave Soles recognizes that finding beautiful fashion that's kind to both people AND planet can be difficult and expensive.
So they're helping to create a better future for both - at a fair price.
FAVOURITE PRODUCTS SO FAR?
By far, our best selling sandals are the Jasmine, the Avarca and the Ophelias. I think it’s because they each represent different personalities and purposes. The Jasmine is a pretty, feminine sandal that goes from day to night, the Avarca is a classic lifestyle shoe that is going to go with you everywhere and the Ophelias are simple, well made slides that are perfect for summer days.
Our AirCraft Collection is something we are excited about these days, as well. We use reclaimed leather plane seat covers from Voyageur Airways and Jazz Aviation. We incorporate all the materials from the plane seats and the result is simple, classic accessories that will continue to travel with you for many, many years into the future.
Thank you so much Christal for being such an inspiration in the world and for your continued efforts in making our planet a safe haven for all of us!
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