Ahmed Raza is co-founder of Naraam, a Nj-area startup that’s making one of a kind shoes in Pakistan and selling them to a western market. Ahmed is paying sustainable wages and creating jobs as part of his native Pakistan with this venture, and he’s hoping the company he’s launched having a Kickstarter campaign will be the next Toms.
“They add this type of pop of color, that they just they create you content.”
Ahmed is referring to the shoes being made by his new company Naraam, a NJ-area startup being run – yes – away from a garage. It’s an organization dedicated to making shoes, and doing good.
The same as another well-known shoe company:
“My inspiration can also be Toms,” said Ahmed.
But his initial inspiration originated in home.
“In 2012, I happened to be visiting my hometown in Pakistan, Karachi, and i also came across these beautiful colored sandals from our market,” he admits that.
he brought some of the shoes returning to NJ, had his girlfriend put them on and also this happened:
“Everywhere she went she received a lot of compliments on the shoes.”
These shoes are handmade in Pakistan. They’re traditionally referred to as “Khussas.”
Ahmed’ friends all wanted a pair – but there is an issue with simply importing them. The artisans making the sneakers only made 3 or 4 dollars per day, hardly enough to meet their basic needs, a lot less support a household.
“The effort installed behind these shoes is just significant. They were definitely very underpaid for their crafts and skills so we desired to change that.” Ahmed said.
So in February this year, he launched a Kickstarter campaign for Naraam.
he reached his 10 thousand dollar initial goal in under 30 hours, and raised 62 thousand dollars in all.
Those funds goes to paying Naraam artisans above market value for their intricate work. Also…
“We are going to do profit sharing together, and we’re also supplying them medical benefits,” explained Ahmed.
Naraam shoes are also fun.
No two pairs are alike, and there’s no right or left.
Instead, the leather conforms for your foot. Also, Naraam adds extra padding for comfort.
Soon you could be seeing these colorful Pointed toe flats everywhere:
And Ahmed believes bringing these eastern shoes into western fashion will make the entire world a brighter place for everyone.
“I think it brings two cultures together. It gets people together this way.”
To read more about Pointed toe flats explore our new website: visit here