March 1, 2013

Travel to Create the Next TOMS Shoes

Travel to Create the Next TOMS Shoes. Last weekend, I attended the Los Angeles Times Travel Show; and listened to a live interview with TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie and Booth Moore (the LA Times Reporter who wrote a story about Toms in 2006). Blake has always been an avid traveler. In fact, in 2002 he competed with his sister on the show the Amazing Race and lost the 1 million prize by four minutes.

It was 2006, and Blake decided to visit Argentina it was one of the countries he traveled to while on the Amazing Race. And while on vacation, he met a group of women who were determined to make a difference in the community by donating shoes. Blake listened to their story, and upon returning to the States he was invigorated by the women and their desire to change the world. Blake decided to make a shoe that was comfortable, design forward, and cost effective to make. He decided to make designs off of the Alpagartas (Argentinian shoes).

In May 2006, he started his online retailer with 250 pairs of shoes in his apartment. Then, the LA Times wrote a story about his Alpagartas, and his online sales jumped to 2500 shoes. Since then, TOMS Shoes has donated over 2 million shoes in 50 counties.

Last year, TOMS Shoes afforded 20 customers a chance to travel the world and be included in their giving back program.

Blake Mycoskie believes in traveling abroad for about a month. To truly get into the culture, connect to people, and enjoy life it is best to slow down and be present. When you travel abroad, you have time to let your mind wander and be creative. Wherever Blake goes, he carries a journal to write out his thoughts, creative ideas, and daily on goings.

Within us all lays the next BIG idea. Everyone has something to create and contribute to making life great for all. So if you are short on funds, or just want to enjoy life and extend your creative adventure or vacation; please consider contacting us, we help make travel possible. Yes, iTravel for Good is a solution that financially empowers people to travel and make a difference (Travel Globally and Help Locally). And perhaps upon your travel you will create the next TOMS Shoes and change the world.

The world awaits your arrival.

Where are you traveling to next?