Espadril
Patricia and Rizqah, owners of Espadril, came together through their work in luxury brands before striking a friendship that cemented their future as a team. Their collaboration is a coming together of their cultures- a love affair between Spain and Africa.
We sat down (virtually) with Patricia, to ask a few questions about the brand and where to from here.
How did Espadril begin? Where did the idea to create these Spanish style shoes in Africa come from?
Espadril started in 2014. We were both working in high end retail, while working on small side projects separately. We then decided to collectively focus our energy on espadrilles. I am Spanish and grew up wearing them so it was all very familiar to me. We noticed that Cape Town didn’t have anything quite like them, so with that in mind, we went for it. It all seemed to have worked, if we may say so ourselves!
Share a little bit about the founders? What are your backgrounds? How did the two of you meet?
Our paths crossed thanks to our involvement in the luxury fashion industry.
Rizqah had worked in luxury for quite some time. I arrived in South Africa after completing a fashion styling course at Central Saint Martins in London. We had the pleasure to work with some amazing high end brands in the fashion industry- Tom Ford, Valentino, Christian Louboutin, Bottega Venet to name a few. This work experience had really taught us to appreciate quality.
From there, the rest is kind of history, as we forged our way from work colleagues to friends to business partners.
Do you travel to and from Spain often (outside of Covid!) or is your main focus here in South Africa?
We go to Spain every year and spend a couple of months there.
It was very important for me to show Rizqah the home of espadrilles. The culture, the people and the summer atmosphere of the Mediterranean. She is now a total expert and moves around Spain like an authentic “chica”.
It has always been in our horizon to expand to Europe. Over the past few years we have explored places such as Ibiza and Madrid. In places like this, there is no such thing as customisable espadrilles. So what Espadril does, even in these international markets, is truly special. We definitely see ourselves having a business that can operate from summer to summer; locally and hopefully soon, internationally.
Can you tell us a bit about your team and employees? Where are they based? How many people do you employ?
Apart from the two of us- myself and Riz, our team consists of three other ladies. All of whom have learned the art of making espadrilles beautifully. When in South Africa, we are based in Cape Town.
Our first ever employee Unice, has worked with her hands all her life! Unice is a hardworking, strong and patient women, who works delicately and is absolutely passionate about espadrilles. She has also taught the rest of the team. Everyone goes to Unice when we get special requests, sometimes even very difficult ones. Our team works so hard and makes our dream possible. We love each other dearly.
What is special about an Espadril shoe? Why should every woman own a pair?
An espadrille is a shoe that will go with just about anything and everything in your wardrobe. Espadrilles make you feel sophisticated, feminine and comfortable all at the same time. They really pack a punch. We’d go as far as calling them a “must have”.
The latest global trend focuses more on craftsmanship and sustainability. Our customers, and any customers for that matter, are starting to appreciate and value the artisanal nature of the products they consume. Espadrilles form part of this, as we focus on creating products centred around sustainable craftsmanship.
Covid has been a tough time for everyone, especially small South African business owners. How did Espadril navigate through this tough time?
We certainly weren’t prepared for this!
Covid has changed the way we understand and look at our business. Much like other business owners, we have had to think quick and make difficult decisions. Sadly, we have decided to close our beloved studio on Bree Street. This is actually the first time we have announced it!
These decisions aren’t taken lightly and are always clouded by the fear and uncertainty of what is to come. However, we feel positive about it all. We know that not only will Espadril survive this but that as a brand, we will be better and stronger than before.
Other than a world pandemic, what has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome since starting Espadril?
Espadril was founded in 2014. Soon after this, Rizqah had a baby in 2015 and I followed in 2016. So I’d say our biggest challenge to date was juggling both being first time moms and having a brand new business. Espadril really took off in its founding years, so we were faced with many new challenges both personally and professionally. But hey, we made it and we wouldn’t have done it any other way. We are really proud of ourselves for overcoming all the obstacles we’ve faced!
What inspires you to push past such obstacles?
Having a goal or a certain place you want to get to, call it a ‘destination’ if you must, definitely helps carry you through the rough times. It serves as a reminder as to why you need to push past what you are going through. Whatever the goal or destination; whether it’s expanding, going global or even selling your business, visualising it is vital.
Can you tell us something that’s been a game-changer for you and your local business? An important lesson learned?
I think Riz and I would both agree that perception has been our game-changer. Look at what you are doing and how you are doing it! Simplify, streamline, adjust and then change so you can offer your customers and clients the best version of you and your business.
We have learnt so much along the way. A big one is to be open minded and not to get stuck on your original idea. Things hardly ever go according to plan. It’s all part of the journey and in a way this is what makes everything fun. Running your business is like driving on a new road, you kind of have to take each turn as it comes.
Any words of wisdom for those facing similar challenges?
To focus on all aspects of your business simultaneously. All the aspects of your business are important and they have to grow at the same time. This was something very powerful we learnt at the very beginning, which we are very thankful for.
We love hearing about local brands, and we are always hoping to discover new ones. What are your current local faves to support?
WOW. I couldn’t possibly list just one or two, there are so many wonderful businesses and beautiful stories to be told. It would be easier to look through the Best Little Guide than for me to just mention a few ;)
At Best Little Guide, we truly love getting to know more about South African brands. More specifically though, we love getting to know the people behind these brand, such as Patricia and Riz, who are the driving forces behind businesses like Espadril. Head over to @espadrilspain_ to see more of the collaboration between style and culture that espadrilles so beautifully showcase.