The Story of a Brand DiVERGE Sneakers - How Custom Sneakers and Social Impact Walk Hand-in-Hand
In this episode, I sit down with João Esteves, founder of DiVERGE Sneakers, a brand that's rewriting the rules of footwear from the ground up.
We discuss why customization matters, how DiVERGE puts the customer’s individuality front and center, and what it truly takes to build a business rooted in purpose, not just profit.
João opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, including the emotional resilience required to stay the course and the people who believed in him when the business needed it most.
From launching a brand inspired by a Robert Frost poem to becoming a B Corp committed to people and the planet, João shares how DiVERGE is challenging mass production and the wasteful norms of the fashion industry. We also dive into the brand’s incredible social impact program that helps underprivileged youth design their own shoes and share their stories with the world.
🎙️ Key Highlights from the Episode
* Why João built a brand around personalization and empowerment
* The emotional resilience required to start a business later in life
* How DiVERGE is combating fashion overproduction and landfill waste
* The power of a B Corp to align values with action
* Training underserved youth to design sneakers and share their stories
Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to how DiVERGE is helping people make their own way, one custom sneaker at a time. Whether you’re into fashion, sustainability, or founder stories that go deep, this one’s for you.
For more on DiVERGE Sneakers visit: https://www.diverge-sneakers.com/en-us
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Today’s Sponsors:
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/
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