The story I wasn't sure to share - Behind The Scenes

This is a story I doubted for a long time whether I should write. Maybe it’s a little too personal. But it’s also part of the magic of Earth Sole, as it highlights once again how this brand was meant to be found—thanks to all the wild synchronicities along its path. So, time for a cheeky story. Get your popcorn ready—off we go!

Greg helping me with his shoe makers knowledge

The unusual beginning

So, once upon a time... No, jokes. It didn’t start out that romantic.

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I measured a lot of people’s feet to get the right fit for every shoe size. Not exactly the usual route (shoemakers traditionally use lasts), but I was stubborn and hadn’t yet met the person featuring in today’s story.

After all that measuring, I created a design for every size. I’d take the latest versions to social gatherings—birthday parties, housewarmings, goodbye-I-go-overseas events—ask who had which shoe size, and try them on people.

Looking back, it’s funny: I can be quite social, but it only works for me when it happens naturally. I’m still not sure how I survived those busy days, but Earth Sole’s energy kept me going!

A chance conversation

One evening, at my friend Kasper’s farewell dinner, I ended up chatting with an acquaintance. His partner happened to have the shoe size I was searching for. I don’t remember the fit (my memory isn’t that good), but I do remember her mentioning a local shoemaker—someone who’d started out similarly, building a brand with little more than some glue, materials, and an idea. She’d gone to school with the founder, whose workshop was in Woodstock, Cape Town.

That Monday, needing to pick up repurposed leather in town anyway, I figured I’d just pop by. Calling ahead never seemed to work, and since I’m a friendly sort, I thought—why not just show up in person?

The factory I was looking for in Woodstock

Meeting the man

Google Maps sent me to an address where not much was happening, so I called the number I found online. The man who answered (I’ll call him Greg in this story) said the brand had stopped existing, but for some magical reason, we kept chatting.

Woodstock isn’t the coziest area; I actually drove around the block until I found a spot where I felt safe enough to continue our talk, without worrying I'd get interrupted by a robbery.

We had plenty in common. Like me, he hadn’t started by training or tradition—just gut feeling and inspiration. Honestly, it’s a bit sad how many people only follow a path because it’s what they’re told, what they studied, or what others expect. But we didn’t—the rebels.

Greg founded his brand about five years before that, and his first boot, made from offcuts, was pretty awesome (reminded me of my own beginnings!). He’d grown his business from zero into a well-known name in Cape Town, even finding success internationally for a while. The end of his business is another story; more importantly, when he said, “I can give you some tips I wish I’d known five years back,” I was like, “Hell yes!”

Learning (and laughing) along the way

Over the next few months we spent time together, and he was an amazing guide. Some advice I took (stubborn me!), and other things—now, three years later—I realize might have made a real difference. I’d still say they’ll be useful in the future.

He gave me more confidence in my shoes, and got excited about making them again himself. In fact (he might not admit it, but I’m convinced), he was tempted to make his own version of my shoes—just with a slightly different twist. German, practical—less my style, more his, so I didn’t worry too much!

It was yet another magical instance of how two complete strangers, sharing similar dreams, a stubborn kind of perseverance, and maybe a dash of inspiration (plus a bit of physical attraction), managed to cross paths in this universe.

Ready for your own adventure?

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of curiosity—or a single bold step—to set your own story into action. Who knows what connections, ideas, or little bits of magic might come your way?

If you’re feeling it might be the right moment for a new chapter, maybe the first step is slipping into a pair of Earth Soles. Check out our latest designs and let your feet lead you into the unexpected.

Your grand story is waiting—are you ready to walk it?