Voes & Co

A feature with Desirée Dupuis, Founder of Voes & Co. Voes & Co is a vegan footwear brand that’s redefining style and sustainability. We craft high-quality, ethically made shoes and boots from innovative plant-based leathers, like cactus leather, with a focus on minimizing our environmental impact. Driven by a passion for compassion and conscious living, we believe that fashion can be a force for good.  We’re committed to creating beautiful, luxurious, quality vegan footwear that’s kind to the planet and inspires a more conscious lifestyle.

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Voes & Co. is a vegan footwear brand that’s redefining style and sustainability. We craft high-quality, ethically made shoes and boots from innovative plant-based leathers, like cactus leather, with a focus on minimizing our environmental impact. Driven by a passion for compassion and conscious living, we believe that fashion can be a force for good.  We’re committed to creating beautiful, luxurious, quality vegan footwear that’s kind to the planet and inspires a more conscious lifestyle.

1. What is your organizations mission/goals? What small steps are taken to achieve these goals?
Voes & Co is a premium vegan lifestyle company that exists to promote mindful, compassionate living, through ethically sourced, sustainable, designer vegan footwear. We’re 100% committed to not using leather, suede or any other animal-based material in our designs. We’re on a mission to pioneer the use of next generation materials to reduce the use of plastic in the vegan fashion industry.

Our Goals:
– To provide high-quality, ethically made vegan footwear: We want our customers to feel good about what they’re wearing, knowing that their shoes are made with respect for animals and the environment.

– To minimize our environmental footprint: We’re constantly exploring new ways to reduce our impact on the planet, from using sustainable materials to implementing eco-friendly practices throughout our supply chain.

– To promote conscious consumerism: We believe that fashion should be about more than just trends. We want to encourage our customers to think about the impact of their choices and to choose products that align with their values.

– To inspire a compassionate lifestyle: We believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for change. We want to use our platform to inspire people to live more consciously and to make choices that benefit the planet and all its inhabitants.

Small Steps We Take to Achieve These Goals:

– Using plant leather: We utilize plant leathers as a sustainable alternative to traditional animal leather. We work with durable, eco-friendly materials such as cactus leather and corn leather that require less water and land to produce.

– Partnering with ethical factories: We work with factories that are committed to fair labour practices and safe working conditions.

– Minimizing waste: We strive to reduce waste throughout our production process by using recycled packaging and minimizing excess materials.

– Giving back to the community: We support organizations that are working to protect the environment and promote animal welfare.

– Educating our customers: We provide information about our sustainability initiatives and encourage our customers to make conscious choices.

– We believe that every small step counts, and we’re committed to making a positive impact, one shoe at a time.

2. What is your favourite task/job to do for your organization? If you don’t have a favourite what is your least favourite?
It’s tough to pick just one favourite task, but if I had to choose, it would be anything related to branding and creative storytelling.  I absolutely love crafting the Voes & Co. voice and visual identity, and finding engaging ways to connect with our audience.

Here’s why I’m so passionate about this aspect of the business:
– Building a Brand with Purpose: Voes & Co. is more than just a footwear brand – it’s a platform for change. Through our branding, we get to communicate our values of sustainability, compassion, and conscious living. It’s incredibly rewarding to build a brand that stands for something meaningful.

– Connecting with Our Community: I love using our social media platforms and email newsletters to connect with our community, share our story, and inspire others to make conscious choices. It’s amazing to see people resonate with our message and join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future.

– Creative Expression: Branding allows me to tap into my creative side and explore different ways to express the Voes & Co. personality. Whether it’s through playful captions, visually engaging imagery, or thought-provoking blog posts, I enjoy finding new and exciting ways to capture our brand essence.

– Making a Difference: Ultimately, I believe that strong branding can be a powerful tool for change. By communicating our values and mission effectively, we can inspire others to make more conscious choices and contribute to a better world.

While I truly enjoy all aspects of marketing, the tasks I find least enjoyable are the more analytical and technical ones.  Things like deep-dives into website analytics or managing complex advertising campaigns, while necessary, don’t quite spark the same joy as the creative side of things.

3. What challenges does your organization face?
Initially, we focused solely on cactus leather, which was a fantastic starting point for our commitment to sustainable materials. However, we soon realized that expanding our scope to encompass a wider range of plant-based leathers would offer greater flexibility and resilience. This strategic decision has opened up exciting new possibilities for innovation, allowing us to explore diverse materials with unique properties and collaborate with a broader network of suppliers. Ultimately, this diversification not only strengthens our commitment to sustainability but also enhances our ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the plant-based leather industry and optimize for both quality and efficiency.

5. What keeps you and your organization motivated?
At Voes & Co., we’re driven by a deep-seated passion for creating a better world through conscious fashion. We’re a values-based and mission-driven company, and that’s what truly keeps us motivated, even when faced with challenges.

Here’s what fuels our fire:
– Protecting Animals: We believe that all creatures deserve to live free from harm. The fashion industry has a long history of exploiting animals, and we’re committed to being part of the solution. Creating beautiful, stylish footwear without the use of animal products is at the heart of what we do.

– Responding to the Climate Emergency: We’re living in a time of unprecedented environmental challenges, and we feel a profound responsibility to do our part. We believe that fashion can be a force for positive change, and we’re dedicated to minimizing our impact on the planet through sustainable materials and ethical production practices.

– Aligning with Our Values: Every decision we make, from the materials we source to the factories we partner with, is guided by our core values of sustainability, compassion, and ethical production. Knowing that we’re making a positive impact on the planet and the lives of others is incredibly motivating.

– Witnessing the Impact: Seeing customers embrace our vision and choose Voes & Co. for its style and ethical stance is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we’re contributing to a shift towards conscious consumerism fuels our desire to keep pushing boundaries.

– The Power of Community: We’re constantly inspired by the growing community of conscious consumers who share our passion for a better world. Connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations reminds us that we’re part of a larger movement.

– Continuous Innovation: The sustainable fashion industry is constantly evolving, and we’re driven by a desire to stay at the forefront of innovation. Exploring new materials, technologies, and production methods keeps us excited and engaged.

– Making a Difference: Ultimately, we’re motivated by the belief that we can make a difference. Even small steps towards a more sustainable and compassionate future can have a ripple effect. Knowing that we’re contributing to that change is what keeps us going.

Even when it’s been hard—and believe me, there have been moments where we’ve questioned everything—we’ve realized that there’s no option to stop. The planet needs us, the animals need us, and we need to keep fighting for a better future. We believe that business can be a force for good, and we’re committed to using our platform to create positive change in the world.  This unwavering commitment to our mission and values is what keeps us motivated and inspired, every step of the way.

6. If you could have given yourself advice before you started or got involved with this organization what would it be?
Starting a business, especially one rooted in strong ethical and sustainable values, is a marathon, not a sprint, and I would advise my younger self to embrace this journey with patience, passion, and grace. Building a truly sustainable and ethical brand takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt along the way. There will be hurdles and setbacks, but maintaining a passionate belief in the mission provides the fuel to persevere. Mistakes are inevitable, but approaching them with grace allows for growth and learning, remembering that progress, not perfection, is the ultimate goal.

Trusting the process, even when faced with challenges, is crucial for success, as it requires unwavering faith in the vision and the belief that dedicated efforts will lead to positive outcomes. The path may be winding, but with patience, passion, and grace, the journey itself becomes just as meaningful as the destination, with every step contributing to a better future.

7. What past experiences prepared you to start or get involved with this organization?
Several key experiences in my past have really paved the way for my involvement with Voes & Co.

Firstly, my vegan lifestyle has been a major influence. It’s not just about diet; it’s a deep-seated commitment to ethical and sustainable living. This naturally extends to my interest in fashion, and it’s what fueled my desire to create a brand that aligns with those values.

Secondly, being self-employed and working as an entrepreneur for over a decade has equipped me with the essential skills and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of starting and running a business.  I’ve learned to be resourceful, adaptable, and resilient – qualities that are invaluable in the entrepreneurial world.

Finally, I’m a natural-born problem-solver with a strong drive to get things done.  This has been crucial in overcoming the inevitable obstacles that arise when building a business from the ground up, especially in a relatively new and evolving industry like sustainable fashion. Whether it’s sourcing innovative materials, finding ethical production partners, or navigating logistical challenges, I’m always focused on finding solutions and making progress.”

These experiences have given me a solid foundation for my role at Voes & Co. My vegan lifestyle provides the passion and purpose, my entrepreneurial background provides the skills and resilience, and my problem-solving nature helps me tackle the unique challenges of building a sustainable fashion brand.

8. Who are your mentors or those who you learn the most from?
I’m deeply inspired by strong, visionary women who have paved the way for others. Two individuals who have significantly influenced me are Sara Blakely and Oprah Winfrey.

Sara Blakely’s entrepreneurial journey with Spanx is incredibly motivating.  She identified a need in the market, fearlessly pursued her vision, and built an empire from the ground up. Her story reminds me that with hard work, determination, and a bit of creativity, anything is possible.

Oprah Winfrey, on the other hand, has had a profound impact on how I view the world and the potential for positive change.  Her commitment to empowering women, promoting self-discovery, and fostering meaningful conversations has shaped my own values and aspirations.  She exemplifies the power of using one’s platform to uplift others and make a difference in the world. I am so grateful for how she pioneered the concept of spirituality to become a mainstream topic and opened the way for so much conversation and curiosity with it.

9. What milestones or traction have you achieved so far?
It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m incredibly proud of the milestones we’ve achieved at Voes & Co.! Here are some highlights:

– Expanding our collection: We launched with a single, iconic Chelsea boot design, and have since grown to offer 4 SKU’s, including a white version of our vegan chelsea boot and the launch of our casual vegan sneaker. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing fashionable and functional vegan footwear for various tastes and occasions.

– Securing retail partnerships: We’re thrilled to be stocked in a curated selection of online and brick-and-mortar stores that align with our values of sustainability and ethical production. This allows us to reach a wider audience of conscious consumers.

– Gaining media recognition: Voes & Co. has been featured in prominent publications like Forbes, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour, which has been instrumental in raising awareness of our brand and mission. It’s incredibly validating to see our efforts recognized on such a large scale.

10. Does your organization run on volunteers? What should someone do who is interested in volunteering for you?
While Voes & Co. doesn’t currently operate with volunteers, we’re incredibly excited about building a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for sustainable and compassionate fashion. We believe in empowering others to join us on this journey towards a more conscious and compassionate future.  As such, we offer an affiliate program designed to create a win-win situation for everyone involved, allowing individuals to generate income while promoting a brand they believe in.

11. What are 5 things you love about your personality?
– I have a fun-loving, easy-going personality. I approach challenges with optimism and strive to create a positive and supportive environment for those around me.

– I’m driven by passion and determination. When I set my mind to something, I give it my all.

– Authenticity is key for me. I strive to be genuine and true to myself in all aspects of my life.

– I have a deep love for animals. This is a major driving force behind my commitment to veganism and sustainable fashion. It fuels my desire to create a world where animals are treated with compassion and respect.

– I value thoughtfulness and compassion. I believe in treating others with kindness and empathy, and I strive to make decisions that consider the well-being of all beings and the planet.

12. What are 5 “imperfect” or “imperfectly perfect” things about your organization? (What makes it unique)
We’re definitely not perfect, and we’re okay with that! In fact, we believe that embracing our imperfections is what makes us unique and authentic.

Here are a few things that might be considered ‘imperfectly perfect’ about Voes & Co.:
– We’re still learning and growing:  The sustainable fashion industry is constantly evolving, and we’re always striving to improve our practices and explore new innovations. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re committed to continuous learning and growth.

– Plant-based leather isn’t a perfect solution: While plant-based leathers are a fantastic alternative to traditional animal leather, they’re not without their challenges. Some options still require the use of synthetic coatings or binders that may contain some plastic components. We’re actively seeking out the most sustainable and innovative plant-based leather options available and are transparent about the composition of our materials.

– As a small, independent brand, we face resource constraints that larger companies might not. This means we have to be strategic and resourceful in how we operate. But we believe that our passion and dedication more than compensate for our size.

– We’re focused on progress, not perfection. We recognize that achieving true sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a destination. We’re committed to making progress every step of the way, even if it’s not perfect.

– We’re not afraid to be vulnerable. We believe in being open and honest about our challenges and successes. We share our journey with our community, including the bumps along the road, because we believe that transparency is key to building trust and inspiring change.”

These “imperfections” are what make Voes & Co. unique and relatable. We’re not claiming to be perfect, but we’re committed to making a positive impact and inspiring others to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and compassionate future.

13. What’s something the organization plans for its future that people can be excited for?
We’re so excited about the future of Voes & Co. and have ambitious plans to make an even bigger impact in the world of sustainable fashion! Here’s what people can look forward to:

– Expanding our collection: We’re continually working on new designs and styles that are both fashionable and functional, offering a wider range of choices for our customers.

– Growing our community: We believe in the power of collective action and are passionate about building a strong community of conscious consumers.

– Leaning into innovation: We’re constantly researching and exploring new sustainable materials and production methods. This includes pushing the boundaries of plant-based leathers, incorporating recycled materials, and minimizing our environmental footprint.

– Becoming more circular: We’re actively working towards a circular economy model where our products can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their life cycle. This includes exploring initiatives like take-back programs and partnerships with recycling innovators.

– Our ultimate “north star” is to create footwear that is so sustainable, you can literally plant your boots in your backyard when you’re done with them!  We’re not there yet, but we’re taking significant steps towards that vision.

We believe that the future of fashion is sustainable, compassionate, and innovative.  We’re excited to continue leading the way and inspiring others to join us on this journey.  Stay tuned for exciting developments and new products that will help you step into a more stylish and sustainable future!

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