HISTORICAL SHOE WITH TRADITIONAL TREASURES

Category: Footwear

From Accounting to ... A Shoe Designer Born in 1969 in Malawi. I grew up in a very remote area in the north of the country in Rumphi District. Coming from a very poor background, in 1985 I was privileged and selected to study at Kamuzu Academy in Kasungu –Malawi, the school which was recognized as the Eton of Africa by then. Whilst at Kamuzu Academy, I was so passionate about Art and designing. Studying Art and Technical Designing, I became so innovative and this inspired me so much to discover my ikigai/purpose in life. My dream was centered around designing. Later, I got my Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and worked as an accountant for thirty-two years in a utility company in Malawi. In 2021 I was dismissed from my work as a Chief Accountant. Being dismissed can be a difficult experience, but it’s amazing how it became a catalyst for my new opportunities and pursuits. Inspiration can strike at any moment, and it’s wonderful that I am now feeling motivated to explore a new career path in shoe design. I have found comfort in remembering that every successful person has experienced setbacks and rejections along the way and that it depends on how you respond to them that matters. I took my negative experience and turned it into a positive one by channeling my energy into my long-lived passion to pursue my dream as a shoe designer. In 2021, I became the founder and CEO of Joan Footwear as a subsidiary under Joan investments Company. I experimented with alternative materials like cow and goat skin, different leather shoe designs and drew inspiration from history for my shoe designs called ‘Steps of Smiles’. Diversifying from my accounting history, I found success in designing leather footwear for prominent women & Men, school shoes, sandals, decent shoes, boots of different types and tailor-made shoes. It was incredible how my desires converged to be a vision for crafting shoes. We want very much to create jobs for our community. We aim to go far towards building a sustainable company and a well-known brand in Africa and beyond by committing ourselves to embrace some Sustainable Development Goals that can help reduce environmental impact in shoe design: GOAL 12  *Use recycled materials*: (Responsible Consumption and Production): Incorporate recycled materials in shoe design, such as recycled polyester, nylon, or rubber.  *Reduce waste*: Implement design strategies that minimize waste, like upcycling materials.  *Use biodegradable materials*: Choose biodegradable materials that can easily decompose, reducing waste and environmental harm.  *Design for longevity*: Create shoes that are durable, repairable, and made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.  *Use sustainable packaging*: Choose eco-friendly packaging materials and minimize packaging waste.  *Embrace circular business models*: Encourage recycling, upcycling, and reuse of shoes and material and:  GOAL 4. *Educate and raise awareness*: Quality Education): Inform consumers about sustainable shoe design and promote environmentally conscious choices. By focusing on these sustainable goals, we confide in significantly reducing the environmental impact of our designs. Currently we are contributing to the growth of the local economy and creating opportunities for people from less privileged communities especially women and the youth. We are living by four important values which are education, creativity, innovation and sustainability.” As a leather shoe designer, I'm passionate about crafting footwear that combines style, comfort, and sustainability. With a background of Technical Drawing &Art which I studied in my Secondary School Education at Kamuzu Academy in fine arts and a fascination for leatherwork, I bring a unique perspective to my designs. I'm inspired by the beauty of natural materials, the elegance of timeless silhouettes, and the stories of the people who wear my shoes. Leather has been a valuable material for centuries, used for clothing, footwear and accessories. However, the production of leather has a significant impact on the environment, from use of chemicals to the disposal of waste. We are a shoe Company that is environmental conscious and In our designs we prioritise using vegetable tanned goat leather from our local tannery that combine comfort, durability, and sustainability with a unique aesthetic. Joan Foot wear aims to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize harm to the environment as follows:  Social responsibility: to ensure fair labor practices and ethical sourcing, recycled materials like worn out leather jackets are used for linings, recycled rubber for soles, recycled plastic bottles used for toe puffs and bamboos used for shanks.  Durability, comfort and aesthetics: goat leather which is more durable, long-lasting, used to provide better breathability and comfort as well as offering unique textures and appearances.  Cost-effectiveness: Sustainable materials used to reduce waste and save resources. We also use ash pits for wastages,  Brand reputation: Enhance brand image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.  Compliance: Meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations.  Innovation: Drive innovation and development of new sustainable materials.  Consumer demand: Meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Using these sustainable materials in our shoe designs, we contribute to a more environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and innovative footwear industry. From accounting to shoe designing, my designs cater to diverse tastes and preferences. I value diversity by recognizing that each person’s feet are unique, with different shapes, sizes, and needs. Let’s face it, shoes are, a necessity of life. Today, as I walk around, I admire every living human’s being feet to become my opportunity for a design! Join me on this journey, and let's create footwear that not only looks amazing but also tells a story and dresses the world!

Download PDF 1 Download PDF 2