Ahmed Raza is co-founder of Naraam, a Nj-area startup that’s making unique shoes in Pakistan and selling them to a western market. Ahmed is paying sustainable wages and creating jobs in the native Pakistan using this venture, and he’s hoping the organization he’s launched with a Kickstarter campaign could be the next Toms.
“They add this kind of pop of color, which they just they create you content.”
Ahmed is referring to the shoes being produced by his new company Naraam, a NJ-area startup being run – yes – away from a garage. It’s an organization committed to making shoes, and doing good.
Just like another well-known shoe company:
“My inspiration can be Toms,” said Ahmed.
But his initial inspiration originated in home.
“In 2012, I happened to be visiting my hometown in Pakistan, Karachi, and that i came across these beautiful colored sandals from our market,” he says.
he brought a few of the shoes returning to NJ, had his girlfriend put them on and this happened:
“Everywhere she went she received tons of compliments around the shoes.”
These shoes are handmade in Pakistan. They’re traditionally known as “Khussas.”
Ahmed’ friends all wanted a pair – but there is an issue with simply importing them. The artisans making these shoes only made 3 or 4 dollars each day, hardly enough to fulfill their basic needs, much less support a household.
“The effort they place behind these footwear is simply significant. These folks were definitely very underpaid for his or her crafts and skills and 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, 62 thousand dollars in every.
That money would go to paying Naraam artisans above rate for 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 for your foot. Also, Naraam adds extra padding for comfort.
Soon you might be seeing these colorful peep toe flats everywhere:
And Ahmed believes bringing these eastern shoes into western fashion is likely to make the entire world a brighter location for everyone.
“I think it brings two cultures together. I think it gets people together that way.”
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