Business
In this episode I interview Fernando Rojo, the founder of PATOS Shoes. While visiting his family in Argentina, Fernando came across a stand at a local artisan fair, which sold women's flats with vibrant textiles. Fernando was quickly inspired to partner with the artisan to sell his shoes in the US. After two years of prototyping Fernando created a shoe that combines a modern sneaker with traditional textiles from Peru. PATOS is more than just a shoe company. With the mission of providing opportunity and fair working conditions for artisans in Latin America the company employs 15 artisans from Peru to make their shoes and backpacks. Fernando explains some of the obstacles he has faced working with artisans in another country, how he overcame that, and advice for others doing the same. Fernando also speaks to how he dealt with something many Entrepreneurs face, rejection, and how he managed and moved past it to become even more successful. Make sure to check out Fernando's vibrant and colorful shoes and their new backpacks at wearpatos.com and follow their instagram @wearpatos to see more of their amazing designs.