Ahmed Raza is co-founder of Naraam, a Nj-area startup that’s making original shoes in Pakistan and selling these to a western market. Ahmed is paying sustainable wages and creating jobs in the native Pakistan using this venture, and he’s hoping the business he’s launched using a Kickstarter campaign will be the next Toms.
“They add such a pop of color, which they just they make you cheerful.”
Ahmed is discussing the sneakers being created by his new company Naraam, a NJ-area startup being run – yes – away from a garage. It’s a company focused on making shoes, and doing good.
Just like another well-known shoe company:
“My inspiration can also be Toms,” said Ahmed.
But his initial inspiration originated in home.
“In 2012, I were visiting my hometown in Pakistan, Karachi, and I came across these beautiful colored sandals from our market,” he admits that.
he brought some of the shoes to NJ, had his girlfriend use them and this happened:
“Everywhere she went she received plenty of compliments on the shoes.”
These shoes are handmade in Pakistan. They’re traditionally known as “Khussas.”
Ahmed’ friends all wanted a pair – but there was a problem with simply importing them. The artisans making these shoes only made A few dollars per day, hardly enough to satisfy their basic needs, much less support a family group.
“The effort installed behind these footwear is just significant. These folks were definitely very underpaid for his or her crafts and skills and that we wanted to change that.” Ahmed said.
So in February this season, he launched a Kickstarter campaign for Naraam.
he reached his 10 thousand dollar initial goal in less than 30 hours, 62 thousand dollars in every.
Those funds goes to paying Naraam artisans above market value for his or her intricate work. Also…
“We are going to do profit sharing together, and we are also providing them medical benefits,” explained Ahmed.
Naraam footwear is also fun.
No two pairs are alike, and there’s no right of left.
Instead, the leather conforms to your foot. Also, Naraam adds extra padding for comfort.
Soon you may be seeing these colorful peep toe flats everywhere:
And Ahmed believes bringing these eastern shoes into western fashion will make the planet a brighter place for everyone.
“I think it brings two cultures together. I think it gets people together this way.”
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