Hello outstanders! Yes, you, the one reading this. Today, on International Women's Day, I want to share a story with you. My story. And I want you to get comfortable, because this is going to be a long one. Do you have a coffee nearby? Or do you prefer a tea (maybe matcha)? Whatever it is, take it easy as I take you on a journey through my life.
You see, life has a curious way of leading us down paths we never imagined. If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be creating sneakers, I would probably have laughed. But here I am, founder of KUMI Sneakers, and happier than ever.
It all started in a home full of art and passion. My mother, with her sculptures and photographs, filled our days with color and creativity. I remember spending hours watching her work in her studio, fascinated by how she brought her ideas to life. She taught me not only to appreciate art, but also to pursue my dreams with determination. Her entrepreneurship, Cúbic Art, and her jewelry brand, Peko & Lale, were my first lessons in business and passion.
And then there was my father. Can you imagine a man with a stable career deciding to form a rock band? Well, he did. He taught me that it's never too late to follow your passions, that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing what you love.
With these examples, how could I not be a dreamer? But dreams, dear outstanders, sometimes take unexpected paths.
I started by studying Advertising and Public Relations, and although I hated the major, I was fascinated by the idea of creating messages that touched people's hearts. Additionally, the more I studied, the more I realized I wanted to understand human behavior on a deeper level. So, without a second thought, I jumped into studying Psychology.
Those years were intense, full of discoveries about what I wanted to do and about myself. I learned to listen, to understand the hidden motivations behind actions. And trust me, these skills have been invaluable in my journey as an entrepreneur.
But life had more surprises in store for me. After college, I felt the call of adventure. And what better way to combine my love for people and my desire to explore the world than with a Master's in International Tourism Management?
This turn led me to work in luxury hotels. Hectic days, long nights, demanding guests. I learned about customer service, about how to make people feel special. But something was missing. I felt I wasn't leaving my mark on the world.
It was during this time that I started to travel more. Every trip was a lesson, every person I met taught me something new. And amid all this chaos is where I met Sergio, my life partner and co-founder of KUMI.
Our long-distance love story between Mallorca and Mexico could be the plot of a romantic movie. Two years of calls, messages, and sporadic visits. Many told us it was crazy, that it wouldn't work. But here we are, with a beautiful son, a playful dog, and a growing sneaker brand.
It was during one of our trips together when we had the epiphany that would change our lives. What truly drives us?
At that moment, something clicked. Why not create sneakers that were not only comfortable and stylish but also purposeful? Sneakers that reflected our passion for art, sustainability, and human connection. That’s how KUMI Sneakers was born.
The road has not been easy. We have faced challenges we never imagined. From learning about sustainable materials to navigating the complex world of production and marketing. Every day is a new lesson, and I am grateful for each one of them.
Looking back, I see how every experience in my life prepared me for this moment. The creativity I inherited from my mother, the boldness from my father, my studies in psychology and advertising, my years in the hotel industry... it all came together to create KUMI.
Today, when I see someone walking in a pair of KUMIs, I feel a mix of pride and humility. Every pair of sneakers carries a piece of my story, our values, and our desire to make the world a better place.
And you know what? This is just the beginning. The journey continues, and I'm excited for what the future holds. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that life is an unpredictable adventure, and the best stories are those that never stop being written.
So, I invite all the women who follow us to pursue their dreams, no matter how crazy they seem. You never know where they will lead you. Maybe, like me, you'll find that your true passion was waiting for you in the most unexpected place.
And remember, every step counts. Every decision, every turn on the path brings you closer to your true self. So put on your favorite sneakers (I hope they're KUMI) and go out to conquer the world. Your story is waiting to be written.
Thank you!
Alexandra
Orgullo de amigos!