I did it!

Last Tuesday, I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth, washed my face, found a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to wear, grabbed a NutriGran bar, opened my front door and walked out.

Sounds like an ordinary morning for most of us, right? It is except I skipped one step.

I left my shoes at home.

It was TOMS ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES DAY, and I'm so proud to say I did it! I walked from West Campus, to Welch, Painter, the Union, Gregory, and finally back to my apartment. While I was sad to see only one other person supporting the cause on campus, I knew there were millions across the world who rolled up their pants and were walking barefoot with me.

While I wish I had time to discuss all the questions and reactions I experienced that day, I do have time to discuss some of the highs and lows. I decided to break down my day's events into the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I'll start with the ugly, so we at least end on a good note.

The Ugly:
It was right after I had been walking all day and I finally went to Gregory because my friend said she may have left her bag in the locker room. I didn't have the intention to work out that day, but was simply just going to walk in and out and bring the bag home with me. As I approached the desk where they swipe the students in, the young man sitting there asked where my shoes were. I wasn't surprised, because I understood to use the gym facilities, proper shoes were required, and I didn't meet the requirement. However, I also knew that I was not going to work out that day and that I had a valid reason for being barefoot. I began explaining to the young man about the cause and this movement that TOMS launched.

In retrospect, I probably was getting too excited for him, but he stopped me mid-sentence and told me blatantly that he didn't have time to hear another person's "wish to save the world," and that I "was not permitted to enter Gregory gym without proper foot attire." It was rude, yes, but to just to give people the benefit the doubt, I assumed he was tired and had a long day, so I didn't say much to him. I did, however, explain that I was not here to use the gym equipment and to simply just pick a bag up that my friend had left.

His response: "I'm sorry but I really can't allow your hobo-feet to walk inside the gym. These floors are expensive."

I stopped giving him the benefit of the doubt right about then. I went back to the gym just yesterday about the same time, and asked about where the young gentleman was. They told me he was no longer working there. I love karma.

The Bad:
While I say that this next story is the "Bad," it was also one of the most eye-opening experiences of my day. It was right after I left my apartment in the morning to walk towards campus. I waited outside the elevator and when it finally opened, there were "party remnants" left on the elevator floor from the past weekend. I really didn't to step into unknown liquid covering the elevator floor barefoot. I then walked towards the apartment stairs...and same story.

I thought to myself, "It's Tuesday! It's usually cleaned right after the weekend passes. How am I supposed to walk to class with like beer or vomit or whatever it was on the floor."

It was gross, but I knew I wasn't going to back into my apartment and get shoes on. I realized that this was a problem that children and adults who are forced to live barefoot must deal with everyday. They don't have janitors to clean where they live and neither do they have the option to go home and get a pair of shoes if they need it. They just have to keep going, and so did I.

I chose the stairs and walked down them and while I could feel the stickiness under my feet, I also knew I was supporting one of the most eye-opening causes.

The Good:
To say this story was good is not doing it justice. It was probably one of the best moments I've had in a while, and it began when I walked in Tuesday evening to dance practice at the Union. While most of the girls started slipping on their jazz shoes to begin practice, my captain asked me why I wasn't putting on my shoes.

"We have a show tomorrow night, Rashi! Please don't waste time!"

I explained to her the reason of why I wasn't wearing shoes today and what the movement meant. I didn't really expect her to understand, because we had a big show the next night. In fact, after explaining it to her, she seemed kind of apathetic to it all, and just told me to continue practice. Nothing big. No drama. No reaction. It was nothing.

The next day, on Wednesday, I reached the auditorium for our show, all ready, and this time even with my jazz shoes. However, when I got there, I saw something that I will never forget.

My entire dance team was barefoot.

My captain told me she was so moved by the movement, and while they couldn't participate on the actual day, they could at least participate in this way. We went on stage that night, performed the best we ever have....all barefoot.

Here are some pictures of the performance that night! Notice the bare feet!

TOMS is not only changing lives of the impoverished but it's changing my life everyday. I can't wait to see what happens next year on TOMS One Day Without Shoes Day!

What's next for TOMS?

Even founder Blake Mycoskie has never answered this question publicly.

A little over two weeks ago, Mycoskie was invited to South by Southwest in Austin to speak about his company where he addressed some of the most frequently asked questions: How did you get the name TOMS and what's next?

I was more interested in the latter question. What is next for TOMS? Where is it going to be in a few years from now? How is it going to continue its success?

I would be lying if I didn't ever wonder, "What happens when TOMS goes out of style." While I know each pair of shoes represents something much larger than the shoes itself, I also know many people wear  them simply because they look nice. Things that look nice sometimes go out of fashion, and that's the end of TOMS shoes. If I thought about it, I'm sure Mycoskie has too. And he has.

Mycoskie began thinking outside the box when he read the book Poke the Box by Seth Godin. He realized after reading that "Everywhere around us, there are rules. We’re taught to fit in, to sit quietly and raise our hands, to not cause trouble, and to cautiously make sure that we never make mistakes. But in a world that’s constantly changing, Seth says that we need to approach work and life from a different perspective. We need to be creators. We need to question, improve, tinker, instigate, venture into the unknown, and pick ourselves up when things don’t go right."

I've always believed that intelligence is a measure of creativity. Most of us can follow a book, memorize a fact or two, and regurgitate what we learned in class, but a few can create and invent and start something with the knowledge we have. To apply what's inside of us and allow the world to see it makes companies like TOMS exist.

It appears that's exactly what Mycoskie now wants to do with his company. He states it best by saying that he no longer wants TOMS to be known as a shoe company, but rather as a One-for-One company, helping countries meet their needs.

Yes, needs that exceed beyond shoes.

On June 7, Mycoskie and the rest of the TOMS team will reveal all across the nation the next One-for-One product that customers will buy and the impoverished will receive. The shoes have been powerful, but there are other needs out there, and Myscokie knows his company can become larger and meet greater levels.

This realization occurred on of his shoe-drops in Africa. They were there to drop off 50,000 pairs of shoes where he witnessed extreme poverty. These shoes would be the first for many of them and would even save the lives for some. Myscokie remembers thinking that, "Wow, it's really working. These shoes are powerful. It's actually helping someone's life."

Yet, Myscoskie also realized something else. They were living in extreme poverty. Shoes was only one aspect that TOMS was helping in, and Myscokie wanted to do more. He wanted to "poke the box."

I can't imagine what the next product will be. I keep thinking about what was it that Mycoskie saw in Africa that day that made him think of the next product. Perhaps it's blankets or kitchen utensils or even bath products such as soap or clean water. I'm not sure what it will be, but I know along with many others are eagerly waiting to hear about the next product on June 7!

It's good to know that Mycoskie isn't wanting to settle. He sees a need, and he is going for it. That's a mentality I fight to have everyday- to never settle and to keep going. I know it's hard work, but it will be so awarding that one day when Mycoskie is back in Africa and not only delivering shoes, but so many other things. Changing lives every day. I can't wait.

Here's the video link of Mycoskie's speech in Austin. What do you think is hiding behind his box? I think it may the next TOMS soap?

Without shoes is hard.

If you have ever seen a group of individuals walking around with no shoes in unusual places, it is probably because they are participating in TOMS "One Day Without Shoes" campaign.

The "One Day Without Shoes" campaign is designed to show the amount of impact a pair of shoes has on a child who has none. It encourages people internationally to strip free from their soles to experience a day in the life of these children and also to promote the company's cause.

This year, on Tuesday, April 5, TOMS is again hosting its annual campaign, hoping to receive a record-breaking number of individuals to participate in the movement. I'll be a new one to the mix, as I intend to walk to my PR 319 class, Chemistry class, and dance rehearsal all barefoot.

While I'm eager to be part of this movement to help increase awareness about these children, I unfortunately have been put down for participating in this event. As I try to convince friends, peer and faculty members alike to help join me on April 5, the response is usually a nervous laughter and a slow nod. I know they think I am crazy for walking in West Campus, the university's campus, the floors of the old Welch building all barefoot,  but isn't that the point?

Everyday many of these children have to walk for miles to get access to clean water or medical help. Many times, these children even have to walk long distances to go to school, and others cannot even attend school because they do not have shoes.

A recent report released by the TOMS headquarters indicate that, "In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil." Podoconiosis is 100 percent preventable with basic feet hygiene and wearing shoes.


However, I understand that not everyone knows these facts nor does everyone have the time to research why someone would not be wearing shoes. While I am passionate about the movement and global equity, I know my passions cannot always be mirrored in others, but some of the questions I received from people were...interesting.

Q:"Aren't you worried about getting your feet dirty?"
A: "Um...no....It's kind of the idea."

Q:"Aren't you worried about getting scars or cuts. You're a dancer, so don't mess up your feet now."
A: "Because, I dance, my feet are already bruised up, and secondly, no I don't care about the scars or cuts, because I know kids somewhere else are getting them as we speak."

Q:"How about the looks then? You know you will get serious looks thrown your way."
A: "Those are exactly the people whom I'm talking to."

I know this is no popular act, and the level of support I have is at a minimal, border-line zero, but for each look I get, for each particle of dust my feet collect, and for every cut or scar my feet may or may not encounter will be a reason of why I'm doing this.
The looks are to raise awareness.
The dirty is to show empathy.
The scars is to show endurance.

Put me down all you want, but people won't do it, because it's hard, and it's true. Without shoes it is hard. We sometimes flee from what's uncomfortable and unconventional and go towards the norm in society and the acceptance. I get it. We've all done it, but I guess I also believe in beating the odds,  hoping change is happening everyday, believing what I stand for, and living a life defined by passion.

The video below show some people throughout the world participating in the movement and some discussing what it means to them. My favorite is when we see a mailman deliver the mail, barefoot. Even you don't believe in this movement and/or not participating, it's hard not to smile by the end of it.

Enjoy!

TOMS is not a good idea...

Or at least the selfish believe this.

You don't really understand why? Yeah, neither do I.

In December, "The Case Against TOM'S Shoes,"was posted on the TOM'S website by entrepreneur and blog writer, Blake Harris, who stated, "TOMS shoes is giving something to these poor countries but I don't think at the top of the list of things they want is some tacky footwear. Most of these people are more concerned about water, food, basic medication, and education. If TOMS shoes would like to do something truly charitable they can simply contribute a monetary donation (equivalent to the cost of shoes they are giving away) and allow the people to choose for themselves what they want." 


The article continues to discuss how the company should focus on making a profit instead of donating shoes to keep the "business afloat," and to decrease the price of the shoes to gain more customer support.


It lastly states that the expenses used to make the shoes could be used to make a dozen more pair of cheaper shoes for the children in need that are less expensive for us, the consumers, to buy. In other words, TOMS are expensive "tacky footwear" that is not reaping some amazing profit. Is Harris looking out for the children in need or just for profit? My guess? The latter.

Let me begin by telling Harris and any others who may agree with him that while the style of the shoe is tacky to you, it is actually a mirror image of the alpargatas, the preferred shoe for the rich in Argentina. It's a popular style there where the idea of TOMS was born. The shoe style has nothing to do with the customers, it has only to do with the children and making them feel that they, too, are royalty and special.

Secondly, the shoes have a canvas covering and a thick sole on the bottom to allow the children to play, walk and run on the dirt roads of their impoverished towns where sharp rocks and sticks are layering the dirt. It's a protective and strong against these grounds while also providing them a look that is sophisticated and luxurious.

Most schools, in fact, require shoes as a part of their uniform dress code. TOMS has provided a look that has been accepted by these schools, giving children the chance to reach their potential. TOMS isn't letting bare feet getting in the way of that.

However, these are only the small things that TOMS helps create: providing a sophisticated shoes, completing a uniform, and protecting small feet from debris on the ground. Yeah...those are just the SMALL things the shoes do.

Harris states that these children need medical attention and not shoes. Newsflash: the shoes ARE providing basic medical needs. On the TOM'S website, it states, "Soil-transmitted diseases are the number one cause of infections among third-world countries, and even more prevalent in some Sub-Saharan African countries than HIV/AIDS." 

These infections cause chronic fatigue, anaemia, intestinal failure, and growth defects. Each problem leads to children unable to attend school or their job and unfortunately sometimes results in mortality.

The solution? Shoes.

Yeah, they may save a child from a blister or a scar but most importantly, they may even save a life. So I would say the medical concern that Harris appears to have for these poor countries (sarcasm is intended), TOMS is helping in some way.

As for the prices of TOMS shoes- really? I walk around campus and around my neighborhood and even the grocery store and see people wearing $52 navy blue Vans or a pair of $60 Nike tennis shoes or even $75 Sperry shoes. Spend $40 on a pair of TOMS and know half the money is gone to make a pair of shoes for a child getting blisters as we speak somewhere in the world. Don't complain about the price. You own more expensive things.

I guess what gets me the most upset though is the fact is that someone would question ANY organization or company that has the intention to help in someway to a child in need. Why is the world always about making profits and ranking the highest and owning the most things? Isn't it cliche by now to want only that?

Harris, TOMS could make a profit. It could easily gain customer support and keep its business afloat by doing what most other businesses do. The thing is though, it's not like every other business. While you are worried about getting a high salary so you can buy whatever it is that makes you happy, TOMS wants to just give a reason to a kid to go play or dance or attend school because finally they have their own pair of shoes.

That's where true happiness is. What's your definition of happiness?

Here's mine:

Every girl knows this power and every man knows OF this power.

It's the power of the shoes.


The man remembers suddenly as he drives back from work that tonight is his anniversary dinner with his girlfriend and does a quick U-turn to the nearest Dillard's. He pulls out a crumpled piece of paper that says "black Steve Madden heels, size 7" that his girlfriend's roommate wrote down for him weeks ago. He frantically enters the store asking for the Dillard brand of shoes and waits impatiently looking at his watch while the clerk has a confused look on her face, suggesting that she is thinking "What? The Dillard's brand?" He sees the confusion and pulls out the crumpled piece of paper and finally the clerk relaxes and chuckles to herself. She picks out exactly the pair that every girl that season has been wanting and places the hot, little pair of shoes in his hands. He sighs and then finally breaks out into a smile.


He just saved his relationship. (Yes, it's possible I'm talking about personal experience...)


But the power of the shoes meant something else to the once-upon-a-time Amazing Race third-place winner, Blake Mycoskie. He is the founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS shoes and is currently leading the One-for-One Movement.


Mycoskie is passionate about inspiring young people to start giving in their businesses and in their daily life decisions. He believes in making tomorrow a better place for everyone, and eventually hopes to see a future where all businesses and people are more socially aware.


"Just start something- whether it be a business, non-profit or service project. It doesn't have to be intimidating. You don't need a lot of money, you don't need to quit your day job, and you don't need to take big risks," said Mycoskie in his own blog.


 And Mycoskie did just that. He started something.


His vision came into play in 2006 when he traveled to Argentina to do some community service work and play polo. There, he learned the hardships that a great number of children experienced while growing up barefoot which put them at severe risk of disease. He felt the need to help.


Immediately, Mycoskie returned home back to Venice, California and with no knowledge in how to make shoes, he began the One-for-One Movement which aims to deliver one pair of shoes to a child in need for every shoe bought by a customer. The shoes were modeled after the Argentina alpargata, a simple canvas slip on shoe with a thick soul, which we now know today as TOMS shoes- the shoes for tomorrow.


Did his project work? Was Mycoskie ever able to deliver a pair of TOMS to a chlid in Argentina?


 The answer is yes, but was it easy? Absolutely not.


 He came home and had a goal of giving out TOMS to the 250 kids that he met in his trip to Argentina. He considered this goal a part of a passionate project he was involved in rather than a "company" as it would later develop into.


Now here comes my favorite part about his story: the building of his "office" and interns.


He built his first office right in the very center of his studio apartment in Venice and then searched on Craiglist for a group of interns who wouldn't mind buying their OWN laptop and crashing at the "Chelsae Inn" (aka his friend Rachel's couch) in New York when he and his interns met with the buyers. I bet their friends and family thought they were crazy to join something so unsure and undeveloped. I wonder what they're saying now...

Here's Wycoskie and his first few daring interns at TOM'S first office- Wycoskie's apartment. This is where greatness began! Who would have thought?

Within a year, these six were able to collect more volunteers and deliver MORE THAN 10,000 PAIRS OF TOMS in their first Shoe Drop event in Argentina. Now, over 300,000 pairs have been delivered to Argentina, Haiti, Ethopia and Southern U.S.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Wycoskie with the first group of children in Argentina to receive their TOMS. It must have been amazing to be living the dream he saw just a year ago. 

I always say the best moments in my life are those moments when I was moved to do something, and Wycoskie's story was definitely one of those moments. It just makes me believe that no idea is too little or too big. In his blog, Wycoskie admitted that most people  laughed at him when he first started vocalizing his idea, but I'm glad that didn't stop him, because neither would I or the children in Argentina be wearing our TOMS right now.


Seriously, I can't say it enough: power of the shoes.


Watch the video below to get an inside of the Shoe Drop event in Argentina. I love it at 2:25 minutes of the little boy's face. It's absolutely adorable. Enjoy!