Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Paredes Jr.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but lived in Providence, Rhode Island for a solid 6-7 years. I had a restaurant for a number of years but always knew being a chef wasn’t my forever career, I was more of entrepreneur. Not to say the toll it took on my life, but they were great memories and I wouldn’t change it. After I left the restaurant, I planned for a year where I wanted to moved, New York or Los Angeles. I came out here a few times to get a feel of the city, and I felt like I wanted a complete change, a place I knew little about. Packed my car and drove cross country this past August. I’m passionate about a lot of things but the shoe line just came about and now I look back and it just embodies me. I just wanted to make a suede shoe that was really colorful and stood out. As I started designing it, I got lost in the journey, a year later I have colorful vegan suede shoe line. That I think competes in style with any shoe vegan or not.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There were definitely highs and lows, but that’s everything. At first it was just finding a manufacturer that could bring the shoes to life, make them all vegan, etc. Then I had to make more than just one two pairs, I wanted to have different styles and colors. The first launch has three styles, and nine colors all together. Now the biggest hurdle is just getting the shoes to the market on a large scale. That involves many things from marketing to trying to be on the forefront of vegan shoes and fashion that is coming.
Please tell us about Everyday Suede.
EverydaySuede is an all suede vegan shoe line. We have three styles( Oxford, Loafer, and Full Loafer), the full loafer has a buckle instead of the tradition tassels. We are known for being a shoe that you can wear in everyday settings and not just on a few occasions. Feel confident with a colorful pair of shoes on a Tuesday going grocery shopping. I’m really proud we were able to make a cruelty free shoe that is really stylish and affordable. Being affordable was a big thing for me cause I understand spending 2-300 dollars on a shoe and not wanting to mess them up etc. I wanted a shoe that was 100 dollars or less, and with discounts we always offer, you can get them for 70-80 dollars at all times. I wanted people to go out and make memories, maybe ruin them but they were only 80 and not 160 dollars. Believe me I have a few pairs that have had some nights. Biggest thing that sets us apart is our color wave, I started with the Bumblebee cause personal I wanted to stand out with some yellow suedes. Crazy that turned into a whole shoe line and made me a designer amongst things.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’m really a lessons learned, let’s conquer what’s ahead type of person. I was also very transparent so it helped me in a lot of the stages cause it took months to find a manufacturer who could make what I wanted. However, once I did I just had to start with samples etc. I do wish I would of started earlier with everything, from taking pictures and just taking those opportunities when you see them. If you feel something could really help your brand etc. you have to put in the work and execute. The end experience is always worth it then you look back and you gained a genuine connection or a skill.
Pricing:
- Loafers-$100
- Full Loafer-$100
- Oxfords-$110
- 30% Discount Code “Voyage”
Contact Info:
- Website: Everydaysuede.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @everydaysuede
Image Credit:
@mrparedesjr I have started taking photos and am ready for that journey as well. My brother since high school took one of the photos, @rowlan
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