We recently connected with Julie Kuo and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My sister and I created AVRE in November 2019 because we wanted to transform the industry. Growing up in our family business we learned about how the manufacturing process, the materials, all led to insurmountable amounts of waste and carbon dioxide. We wanted to find a solution to this problem. Being a minority female in business isn’t easy and we were compelled to think outside of the box and introduce a different way of doing things. We knew to make an impact we had to find an innovative, creative way to wow the industry that is how AVRE was created. Each Avre style is comprised of threads coming from 8-10 PET water bottles. By using recycled threads, we are able to create footwear with 45% less energy use, 20% less water consumption and ultimately less emissions and aid in protecting the ocean, decrease waste in landfills, and assist in improving air quality. AVRE is sustainable shoe brand that creates modern yet sustainable footwear designed by women for women. With the spirit of the Earth women in mind, AVRE was built to be defined as Authentic, Versatile, Responsible and Empowered.

Julie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My parents came to the United States 40 years ago to find a better opportunity and future for their children. Through hard work, dedication, and passion for footwear they built a footwear empire from their 2 person operation to a global brand and became one of the industry leaders for fast fashion. They allowed footwear to be an extension of a woman’s beauty and self expression.

My sister and I wanted to continue the family legacy but we knew we needed to adapt with the the times. We were aware of global warming and the devastation that fashion imposed on our environment. We were aware of how the practices the fashion industry were damaging the planet by creating excessive amount of waste and high levels of carbon emissions We wanted to help our industry by being a part of a solution that would create a better tomorrow for future generations.

We champion women and causes that share in our beliefs as well. With every purchase we give back to organizations that share in our mission such a Oceana and Equality Now.

Our commitment is to remind the fashion industry that responsible and sustainable practices are possible when designing and crafting modern shoes.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The biggest challenge for our business was to build brand awareness for something we are passionate about and we know that people will love once they discover our products. We launched during an unfortunate time right before Covid unexpectedly devastated the world. Being a B2C website business meant that our business was directly connected to direct consumer spending. Consumer spending changed as there was uncertainty, fear of what the future looked like for many. Being a new brand, consumers were not going to spend on a product they were unfamiliar with. Covid also changed our ways of marketing our product. Everyone was staying home and all social events were cancelled. We had plans of luncheons with key marketers, and store pop ups with influencers, that all came to a halt. All social events to introduce AVRE to the public was put on hold. Instead we decided to focus on positivity of life, celebrating our everyday woman, her accomplishments, doing so while looking good and doing good in AVRE. We featured our audience in our platform and socials. We got excited from the reviews and comments about how comfortable and versatile our shoes were, and how they loved to support a brand that was supporting others. They were equally surprised that our shoes were comprised of water bottles. In supporting us they were helping to protect our planet. We need we had to be patient and stay on the path. The best things in life do not come easily. The success of AVRE would come in time as long as the passion remains.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My cofounder is my sister. We are opposites that complement each other. She manages the creative side of designs and manufacturing and I focus on the sales and marketing. Our partnership helps to fill in each other’s weaknesses while letting each other’s strengths help soar the business.

Although we do not see eye to eye on every project, we offer difference lenses which gives multiple perspectives which is necessary for success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.avrelife.com
• Instagram: avrelife
• Facebook: avrelife
• Linkedin: avrelife
• Twitter: avrelife