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# Blake Mycoskie, Creator of TOMS Shoes (INTERVIEW)

By Tiana Reid | Published 2011-08-11 | Social Good
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blake-mycoskie
References: [toms](http://www.toms.com/)

Trend Hunter has been a longtime fan of everything [TOMS Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joyful-chaos-family), so it’s amazing that SocialBusiness.org and TrendHunter.com got the opportunity to interview Blake Mycoskie, the creator of TOMS Shoes.

TOMS has been expanding its giving model from shoes to its [newest venture in eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vons-vision-day) -- and it doesn’t look like Blake Mycoskie and his team are slowing down anytime soon. Mycoskie shared his passions, inspiration sources and creative strategies with SocialBusiness.org.

**Four Questions with Blake Mycoskie**

**1. How did the idea for the business model come about?**

I was traveling in Argentina in 2006, just on vacation, and met some community workers who were holding a shoe drive. I was surprised to see so many children who did not have shoes. Their feet had cuts and infections, and there I had the idea to [start a shoe company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moab-speed-2) that would serve as a sustainable way of giving. With every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to children. One for One.

**2. How did you decide to join this sector?**

As an entrepreneur, I knew I always wanted to incorporate giving in what I did. However, it was just a matter of finding the right way to do so. With TOMS, I am able to mix my two passions: business and philanthropy.

**3. How do you get your inspiration?**

From my staff, my travels and people I meet.

**4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?**

Every year, I try to take a month off, away from the computer, turn the phone off… and recharge and get re-inspired.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.2/10
- Popularity: 59% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Expanding Giving Models:** Opportunity for businesses to explore new ways to incorporate philanthropy and social impact into their business models.
- **Sustainable Fashion:** Potential for the fashion industry to adopt sustainable practices and give back to communities in need.
- **Entrepreneurship with Social Impact:** Growing trend of entrepreneurs seeking to merge their passion for business with a desire to make a positive social impact.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Fashion Retail:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for fashion retailers to create sustainable and socially responsible products.
- **Social Impact Consulting:** Opportunity for consulting firms to assist businesses in developing effective strategies for incorporating social impact into their operations.
- **Travel and Tourism:** Potential for travel companies to offer experiences that allow individuals to engage in philanthropic activities while traveling.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Homeless-Supporting Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toques-from-the-heart.md)
- [Awareness-Raising Shoe Store Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soles4souls-canada.md)
- [Family-Centric Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joyful-chaos-family.md)
- [Global Tasmanian Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/well-worn-campaign.md)
- [Heritage Brand Boot Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/well-worn.md)
- [Kid Entrepreneur Carts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/entrepreneurship-for-children.md)
- [Podcast-Collaborative Heartfelt Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/claima.md)
- [Homelessness-Supporting Blanket Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-klein.md)
- [Collaborative Sustainable Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moclaughlin.md)