Meet Sophie of Teysha World: Clearbanc Client Profile
Working with e-commerce owners provides Clearbanc the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of companies offering products just as unique, eclectic and extraordinary as the entrepreneurs who sell them. This week, we had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Sophie, founder of Teysha World.
Teysha World works with artisans throughout Latin America to create authentic handcrafted goods including boots, shoes and accessories. With their own workshop in Guatemala, they employ over fifteen traditional shoemakers who utilize rural supply chains empowering the Teysha World weavers to work from home and care for their families. Teysha World has focused on direct collaboration between artisans around the world and and the end customer for custom-designed footwear.
“I find the experience of entrepreneurship addicting. When you run your own business, you really get what you put in. It’s really fun and motivating to see the results of your actions and the direct effect you have on the overall success of the business.”
It was Sophie’s relationship with her mother that started her passion for Latin American design and culture. “My mom is from Mexico, so I grew up going back and forth between Mexico and Texas… I realized that I had so many opportunities available to me in Texas that kids in Mexico just didn’t have. From a very young age, I was always curious as to why these differences exist and I wanted to find a way to join my love of the culture of Latin America with opportunities for the locals.”
After graduating, Sophie launched into the world of entrepreneurship. She quickly found motivation on a number of fronts. “Knowing that the livelihoods of at least 15 different artisans depend on us, is extremely motivating. People depend on these shoes being ordered. In many ways, you have a responsibility to them and you can’t let them down.”
With Clearbanc, Teysha World was able to launch new styles and purchase inventory to grow. “It was really helpful because [Clearbanc’s] repayment is based on future sales, allowing us to prepare for the busy holiday season. If we didn’t have Clearbanc, we would not have the working capital to make the most of our big season.”
Sophie and the rest of Teysha World team has ambitious goals for the next 5 years. Their aim is to grow into more communities in Latin America, collaborating with more artisans and launching more product lines. “We’d also like to grow our sales and distribution across the United States and the world and grow the ethical fashion sphere.”
Watch the full interview with Sophie and hear how Clearbanc helped Teysha World below.
