Former HPU student Alejandro Porras, 27, is the founder of the Spanish-based, Hawaii-inspired company Alohas Sandals. The company was appropriately unveiled last year on Earth Day, April 22, aligning with the environmentally sustainable approach the young entrepreneur envisioned for his first start-up venture.
The company has been producing and distributing their exclusive range of shoes since Aug. 22, 2014. Far from your average shoe company, Alohas Sandals have created the “Step-by-Step Project,” which aims to take care of the planet, people, and profit, which Porras calls the “3 P’s.”
Described as the soul of the company, the “Step by Step Project” is the link between earning dollars and creating global influence, which is important to the business. When 5,000 pairs of Alohas Sandals are purchased, a community event such as a beach clean up on Oahu will be funded by the profits of the sandals. Currently, approximately 2,000 pairs of Alohas Sandals have been purchased.
“We wanted to create something with meaning, not just a sandals company. The truth is the sandals and the company are an excuse to have an impact in the world,” said Porras who graduated with his MBA in 2014.
Alohas Sandals offers a selection of uniquely designed sandal with a distinct European flair.
“Some of my friends have said to me that they would never wear them, but after a month they got used to the style, bought them and fell in love with them,” said Porras.
via Kalamalama – Hawai'i Pacific University Student Newspaper.