Rolling on Tires
What do you get when you put together a small environmentally friendly Ethiopian business, a trendy-looking product, and a huge international retailer together? In the case of the company soleRebels, you get a hit!
SoleRebels founder Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu came up with the idea for her company out of a desire to make a shoe based on the flip flops made of old tires that had been worn by Ethiopians for decades, she explains to the Guardian. But instead of focusing on the local market, Alemu had her sights on the international market.
She used the internet to contact retailers and eventually companies like Urban Outfitters and Amazon.com started selling soleRebels. Her company now employs 45 workers and they can produce up to 500 pairs of shoes in a day. Sales are growling steadily, and Alemu has plans to expand: Her sales goal for 2010 is £300,000 ($479,760).
The company's progress signifies more than just a desire to for commercial success; it's a way for Ethiopians to help each other. "In Ethiopia we have become used to taking money from the west, to always getting help," said Alemu. "That does not make for a sustainable economy. We need to solve our own problems."
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Though globalization is often
Though globalization is often seen as a negative force, soleRebels is a good example of the benefits that a more connected, interdependent world can bring. Like the article mentions, these kinds of small businesses are an alternative to foreign aid, which is often wrapped up in controversy (because of corruption in the recipient country, for example) and in many cases not given to the countries with the most need.
Most importantly, these kinds of businesses represent a more sustainable form of growth, not only in terms of the environment, but in utilizing resources and skills that are already present in a developing country. They signify the creativity and ingenuity that has always existed in developing countries, but are able to flourish by taking advantage of globalization and the international market. Like microfinancing, I think these types of 'little economies' - businesses that utilize local resources but reach out to an international audience- will be the most important factors in reducing poverty. Also like microfinancing, they give people (especially women) a sense of independence and self-sufficiency that foreign aid cannot provide.
It would be interesting to know how soleRebels runs and what role the Ethiopian government plays in the business, and how this affects its success. Thinking of the cooperatives that have flourished in Venezuela, I wonder if a similar system could promote growth in Ethiopia through businesses like soleRebel. I also recently read an article about a sewing cooperative started in Brazilian favelas in the same vein as soleRebels: a small business reaching the international level. Cooperative or not, It would be great if we continue to hear about entrepreneurs like Alemu and the seamstresses in Brazil who bring opportunity, and with it hope, to their countries.
It's great that SoleRebels
It's great that SoleRebels founder Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu came up with the idea for her company out of a desire to make a shoe based on the flip flops made of old tires that had been worn by Ethiopians for decades. Very nice post, pls keep on updating with such information.
Recent SoleRebels Interview on CNN
Fascinating story of Ethiopian accountant-turned-shoe designer in the news again. Great video interview on CNN. CNN SoleRebels Interview
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