A teacher with a “sole" purpose

As a teacher, I have always told my students to follow their heart and pursue their dreams. As a mom, I’ve always told my son to always keep trying and never give up.  I made numerous excuses over the years as to why I shouldn’t do this. I thought of quitting a couple of times too,  but that would have been taking the easy way out. I realized I had to practice what I preached , and follow through with my dreams too. Well, let me say this:  it's easier said than done! It takes a lot of courage to do something that might not be considered “the norm”.  However, it is more rewarding than it is daunting. By facing my fears I was able to move forward and get a patent on a shoe that is interchangeable, unique and versatile . The shoes have patented soles with grooves built into them (hence the company name In•a•grüv) that accessories can easily slip into. It has been one of the most challenging, yet most creative things I have ever done. They are perfect for fashionable women on the go, but they also have a bigger purpose:  to help wear out poverty. A percentage of  sales will help a charity I've been donating too long before this company existed: Soles 4 Souls. Their mission is to put a good pair of shoes on the feet of children and families all around the world.  For more information on Soles 4 Souls, click here:
https://soles4souls.org/about-us/

After investing over $60 k of my own money over the last six years ( yes, it’s taken that long ) ranging from patent attorney fees , incorporation,  prototyping, samples, web design, logo design, product photography, trade shows , etc. I realized I still might need a little help. I underestimated the amount of money it would actually cost to start up a shoe company and I’m not quite ready to sell my patent or give the company away.   I attempted to take on all startup costs alone and did so successfully for a long time. I am so grateful to my father who has been supportive of me throughout this process and has helped me along the way but I finally admitted to myself that I still need help with extra expenses to finally launch (e.g. shipping, securing a fulfillment center, completing manufacturing, marketing etc) . So I decided to do yet another courageous thing :  ask my friends and family for help!  Very tough thing for me to do because I always want to do it all by myself.  I am humbled to admit that I can't.

Your donations will help me finally launch the brand and have shoes available to all customers this spring 2019. Here’s a link to our website for more information: www.inagruv.com , you can also view us on instagram @in.a.gruv

No donation is too small and every bit counts and is a big help! Thank  you in advance for believing in me and for all of your help and support !
                                  ♥️ ALL DONORS WILL RECEIVE A DISCOUNT CODE FOR in-a-grüv SHOES ♥️

                                                                                                              $20 = 20% off
                                                                                                              $25= 25% off
                                                                                                              $30= 30% off
                                                                                                                     etc. etc.

                                        You will receive a percentage off equal to the amount you contribute : )

                                                                  A $100 contribution or more receives a FREE PAIR !
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                 
                                                

                            If you are interested in discussing partnership opportunities, please feel free to contact me .