Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.

I am Maria Proc, the Director of Canada Business Development and Operations for Soles4Souls Canada, one of the Soles4Souls Inc. international divisions. Here at Soles4Souls, we turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunities by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs, and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. My role is to make sure we grow as a non-profit organization in Canada to help those in need both at home and abroad.

What problem does it aim to solve?

Providing Relief. Whether it is disaster relief or supporting homeless kids, we distribute new shoes and clothing to people in need across Canada and around the world.

Fighting Poverty. We help people launch and sustain their small businesses selling donated shoes and clothing.

The Planet. We’re protecting the environment by putting used goods to good use instead of wasting them away in the landfill.

Empowering Women. We aim to empower women, ensuring they have the opportunity and recognition they deserve.

When did you start/join it?

I joined Soles4Souls Canada back in 2018.

What made you want to get involved?

Soles4Souls never stops supporting new countries and new organizations. One of our core values is Transparency, and we uphold that value to one another, our donors and partners.

What was the situation like when you started?

When I joined Soles4Souls Canada, we were beginning our international growth.

How has it changed since?

Since I started in 2018, we are now present in 3 Canadian provinces: Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, we have partnered with companies like eBay Canada to bring change, and we have done over $12,000,000 in economic impact, which is only in the last five years.

What more needs to be done?

Unfortunately, there is always a need for support both in Canada and abroad, and we will not stop until all those needs are fulfilled.

How can our readers help?

We always welcome shoe donations, volunteers, partnerships, ambassadors, and fundraising efforts. However, we do have an exciting initiative underway this holiday season to get the community involved and help us support those in need.

We have partnered with eBay Canada to host a sneaker auction – with all proceeds from the auction going to Soles4Souls Canada. As part of the auction, notables from Canada’s sneakerhead community got involved in helping spread the holiday cheer by donating some kicks from their personal collections to the cause, including Katherine Johnsen, David Forteau and Andrew Miller. All donated kicks were sent off to Sole Premium Shoe Care to be cleaned and restored to pristine condition for auction, and the kicks are now available on eBay.ca for purchase.

Do you have any events coming up?

Yes, our new Christmas campaign called “The Joy You Give” focuses on giving confidence and joy to a child in need. The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, but imagine what it’s like for a kid who lacks even basic necessities, like a good pair of shoes or winter boots. These children are often bullied and embarrassed and suffer from health problems simply because they do not have a good
pair of shoes. Together, we can give them the joy they deserve. To learn more, please visit https://soles4souls.org/joy/.

Where can we follow you?

Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! You can also visit our website to learn more.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?

Samaritan’s Purse Canada

The post Charitable Choices: Soles4Souls Canada by Maria Proc appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Xesto is an AI startup that built the first 3D foot sizing tool to allow customers to size themselves for shoes at home. Shoppers can share their size profiles with family and loved ones for easy gift and family purchasing. Now, not only can you buy yourself the best fitted shoe, but someone else can too!

What made you want to do this work?

I never shop for shoes online. Having to return an item because it didn’t fit is a huge hassle, so I limit what I order online. We know our phones are more powerful than ever, so why wouldn’t we use that tech to transform an industry?

What problem does this solve?

We reduce returns in the footwear industry. Returns have a high environmental cost – excess packaging, transportation and reverse logistics result in billions of pounds of landfill waste annually. This contributes to over 10 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The online footwear industry sees returns of approximately 40 per cent vs 8 per cent return rate in brick and mortar stores. Some brands dispose of up to 84 per cent of returned fashion items for reasons such as damaged packaging or minor cosmetic damage. Approximately 80 per cent of online returns are due to poor fit, making the lack of personalized sizing tools a leading sustainability problem in the fashion industry.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Anyone with an iPhone with a FaceID camera who wears shoes!

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We integrate with shoe companies and charge according to how often the app is used.

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?

On the Apple App Store or on our website!

https://xesto.io

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

How accurate is your tool?

Using Xesto’s proprietary fit technology and an iPhone with a FaceID camera, consumers are able to scan themselves at home using their smartphone, then shop online with no concerns of fit related returns. We extract hundreds of thousands of data-points to make recommendations from reconstructions with unmatched under 1.5 mm accuracy. Aside from us, the current standard is 3mm accuracy, which can sway a shoe size recommendation to be incorrect. We aim to replicate the in store shopping experience online.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

Working in cutting edge technology is fascinating because I meet and am friends with so many people who will change the world. I work with amazing, brilliant people. The worst part is that there are only 24 hours in a day!

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

What do you call 3 friends in Silicon Valley? A startup

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Toronto business that you love?

De Mello coffee is my favourite local coffee joint.

The post Homegrown Business: Find your perfect fit with Xesto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

My business, dr. Liza shoes, is a collection of doctor-approved heels, boots, flats and, most recently, sandals inspired by and designed for women.

What made you want to do this work?

I love heels and was unable to find a high heel that I could comfortably wear all day. I also couldn’t recommend a healthy heel for my stylish patients. Since what we wear on our feet can affect our entire body, I felt this was a great way to extend my reach of ‘fixing’ beyond my clinic. So in March 2017 – I launched dr. Liza shoes!

What problem does this solve?

For so many years, celebrities and women came to my clinic time and time again with the same heel-induced pain. The dr. Liza shoe line provides true 12-hour wear, and function and feel like sneakers.

No one should be held back by their footwear. At the end of the day, we all want to do and be our best and be comfortable while doing it!

Who are your clientele?

Women who want to be stylish and comfortable. And, as I’ve found, that seems to be almost all women. There are some families where I have three generations of women wearing their dr. Liza shoes and it’s amazing!

How does your business make money? How does it work?

I design the shoes in Toronto and then they are handmade in Brazil. Once they’re shipped here I sell them online!

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?

My entire shoe line can be shopped online, and under normal circumstances, I also offer appointments at my downtown Toronto clinic, the [fix].

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

What makes your shoes different?

As a body and posture expert, I designed dr. Liza shoes with the whole body in mind. So, the shoes are not only great for your feet but also for your knees, hips and back. And most importantly, they are designer shoes that you would never guess are orthopaedic.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is definitely the women I meet who are fans of the brand. They write amazing notes about how much they love the shoes and how they have genuinely changed their lives because they actually feel good in their shoes now. And, many I get to know on a personal level and they feel like friends.

The worst is having to address customer service issues where the terms and conditions of the online store aren’t respected. As a small e-commerce business, we have to go by policy to ensure we stay afloat and this can sometimes be tough to convey to customers.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

When someone tells me that they know what it’s like to walk in my shoes… 😅

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Toronto business that you love?

I absolutely love Precious Threads by Abiola. She is a phenomenal designer and her business supports a great cause!

The post Homegrown Business: No More Sore Feet with dr. Liza shoes! appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Our business is called Cougar Shoes and we design, manufacture, distribute and retail women’s, men’s and children’s footwear globally. Our product is built for year-round weather and focuses on being stylish, using high quality materials, and delivers on function whether it’s a winter boot that’s waterproof and withstands -30 degree temperatures or a summer sandal that is water repellant and stain-resistant!

What made you want to do this work (marketing or working with shoes)?

I think fashion was always in my blood. My grandmother, who was a big role model for me, was what I consider a fashion “maven”.  She attended shows, had her clothes made, was a model and had a couple of entrepreneurial fashion accessory businesses on the side during her career. She was a trailblazer in her time! I still treasure many of her pieces, including some shoes. Although her foot size was much smaller than mine, I can remember trying to cram my feet into her shoes thinking they would magically fit!

From a very early age I worked in retail, as soon as I could get a part time job I turned to some of my favorite brands and worked in their stores. From there I went to Ryerson for their fashion communications program and knew it felt like the right career path for me. I was an intern at Club Monaco and then worked for Holt Renfrew for several years, which allowed me to work with some of the best brands in the world. 

I have always loved the energy and pace of the business – it’s addictive and I have a passion for shoes and handbags! I have more shoes than I care to count and I’m one of those people who plans my outfit around my shoes (please don’t judge me)! Working now for a footwear brand is a dream come true!

What problem does this solve?

Being a Canadian brand, Cougar knows all about the harshest climates and our shoes really allow you to battle the elements in style. The footwear will hold up to the four seasons – heat, wet, snow, cold – yet you are not sacrificing looking good to do so.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Cougar is a brand that appeals to people of all ages and we really do have something for everyone, including men, women and kids! Having said that, our “core” customer tends to be the urban woman, who appreciates both fashion and function. 

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We make money by having happy, loyal customers! Meaning, if we provide a great customer experience and a fantastic product, the sales will naturally follow. You can find Cougar Shoes at larger department stores in North America, a mix of strategic independent footwear boutique stores and online at www.cougarshoes.com.

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?

Most companies today, whether you are a brand or retailer, have a “head of marketing” position no matter what industry you are in. It’s important for brands to have a leader at the helm who can steer the brand into the future, lead brand innovation and strategy and push boundaries – essentially create the path and keep things “on brand”.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?

What makes Cougar boots so great? AND here is what I would say:

Cougar knows footwear! Our brand sits right at the cross section of function and fashion. It’s a multi-generational family business that started in manufacturing so they know everything there is to making good quality footwear that is built to perform and last without compromising style!

Cougar is known for incredible quality! Here are some of the things we do that sets us apart: 

• We treat and waterproof all our leather and suede early in the tanning process, right at the tannery before the boot is assembled. This means that you don’t have to add any waterproofing sprays or conditioners to the leather after you purchase. In fact, we recommend you don’t! 
• Our waterproofing process also protects your boots from stains – you can just wipe the leather down with a clean, damp cloth. 
• We also pay close attention to the foot bed and soles, providing both comfort inside the shoe and anti-slip on the outside. 
• And finally, we provide warmth like no other. Our winter boots are all temperature rated, and we use innovative technology to provide outstanding insulation to keep your feet warm and dry! 

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The worst part is easy – it’s my daily commute! I live in Toronto and our head office is in Burlington. Although it’s tough, a do enjoy the solo time in the car to think up new strategy or reflect on the day.

The best part, I get to be a foot model! Who knew a size 10 wide foot would be in demand but “fit” is VERY important here at Cougar and when I joined the brand the first question the design group asked was “what is your foot size?”! I get to try on production samples and give input to how it feels and fits. Every now and then I also get to give some input on design elements, too! 

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

People in marketing often say, “We are not saving lives!” when times get a little stressful.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Toronto business that you love?

TIPS Nail Bar

Leeanne Colley, the owner, is “one of a kind” as is her team and the salon. You will not find a better manicure and pedicure in Toronto. She truly cares about her clients and the service her and her team provides. The FUN part – the salon attracts the most interesting group of “power” women from exec’s to mom’s – when you walk thru the door everyone is on the same playing filed, friendly, willing to share information, help each other and we have the BEST conversations! I always look forward to my appointments and what happens at the salon, stays at the salon! 

https://www.tipsnailbar.ca/

The post Homegrown Business: Jackie Charest of Cougar Shoes Inc. appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Their’s is a unique story! “You see my business partner (Julia) is my husband’s Ex wife!!! In a society that says we should hate each other, how many people can say that they are friends, and business partners with their husbands Ex? This is why we have started a YouTube series called “Picket Fence”.”

What is your business called and what does it do?

Our business is called Marisoles Footwear and Accessories. We are a unique footwear company because our sandals are interchangeable. So you can create hundreds of looks from just one pair of shoes!

What made you want to do this work?

We love to travel and we love fashion. Taking inspiration from our travels in South America we brought back an idea of comfort, practicality and versatility for all women!

What problem does this solve?

I have to admit I over pack ! When I go away I pack way too much…and need a pair of shoes to go with every outfit. With Marisoles, you only need to pack one pair of shoes! You can have your cute and comfortable sandal during the day, and change the upper to create a sexy lace up look for the evening. They are light and take up minimal space in your luggage. It’s truly the perfect footwear solution for traveling. 

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Women of all ages and sizes. We carry children’s sizes too and many mothers love to match with their little ones. We have found all demographics love Marisoles because they don’t rub or cause any discomfort. All of our uppers are made from swimwear material so they are soft and they can stretch if your foot tends to swell. Ad added bonus is if the upper gets dirty you just throw it into the wash and they come out looking like new.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We are primarily online right now, although we have launched a new amazing distributor program. So we have ladies all over Canada and the US selling Marisoles. It’s unique and fun and it’s such an untapped market. 

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?

Well we are truly entrepreneurs. We are also Mom’s trying to balance the work family life. This is not an uncommon story and we do what we can to empower women in business. 

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?

There isn’t anything else really like Marisoles. This is great because our competition is minimal. However, when something is so unique people are a little bit standoffish. I think you just need to try a pair and let the quality, versatility and comfort speak for itself..and they are affordable. 

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is being our own boss and having full creative rein on our product. I also love meeting people in the Toronto Fashion world. Everyone has been so gracious especially JC, Klaudia, and Basil from the Toronto Fashion Academy. We have such talent in our city and consulting with others is always beneficial to your business. To be honest I can’t really think of anything negative. Leaving my corporate job to run my own business has been the best decision I ever made. 

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

That people in the Fashion world are always trying to reinvent the wheel. I suppose at times we are but Fashion is so much more than that. For us it’s really about giving women a comfortable, stylish and unique footwear option. You get to be your own designer with Marisoles and mix and match all your favorite styles without breaking the bank. 

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Toronto business that you love?

Toronto Fashion Academy!

The post Homegrown Business: Marisoles Footwear and Accessories appeared first on Toronto Guardian.