RAW TALES GIVES READERS AN INSIGHT LOOK INTO VEGAN COMPANIES AND THE INDIVIDUALS BEHIND THE BRAND. WE ASKED OUR FEATURES TO BE RAW AND TRANSPARENT IN SHARING THEIR CHALLENGES, SUCCESS, AND THE PASSION THAT CONTINUES TO DRIVE THEIR BUSINESS.
We gladly introduce the Raw Tale of Hivinna Dineas Owner of Brazil-based company Hivi Shoes.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME A VEGAN?
To be honest, I am still in the process to become a fully vegan person. I was raised use to a lifestyle for more than 20 years, so I understand when people say it is hard to leave old habits. In life, everything is a slow process. It is important that people don`t give up on what they believe in, because sometimes, no matter how long it takes, with some effort they will always get there.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A VEGAN?
In 2014 I went to the USA to study and learn about footwear. I lived a new culture, made new friends, and learned how to respect other people and their thoughts. Somehow, that experience made me open my mind for a lot of stuff, especially about the environment overall. I mean, if I can respect a human being, why not respect other types of lives out there either? They make part of our lives as well; they contribute to the earth as well. So we should appreciate those creatures too. The best experience about that exchange program was that I learned everyone can help, even if it is just a little. Because of those little things… They make the whole difference.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START HIVI SHOES?
I always wanted to have something of mine. To do what I like, to show what I believe in. I confess besides the experience I had in the USA, some brands have always been with me. It feels awesome when you see a brand that does what they believe and it totally works! You realize it is possible to do what you want and that people end up getting inspired too.
WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?
Vegan shoes. I make shoes for adults, but mostly for babies. I believe every person is special so I always bring up the handmade concept. My shoes are specially made for the customer and with love.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH HAVING A VEGAN COMPANY?
The vegan concept here in Brazil is new still. So my biggest challenge here is showing people the meaning of the vegan world. At the same time it might bring curiosity and excitement, many people would rather have things they are used to and end up reluctant to try something new.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE?
I always try to use the vegan concept in a common and nice way. I try to show people they can use a vegan shoe like another one, that it doesn’t mean they are worse than other shoes. I try to show people that everyone, even the non-vegan community, can wear Hivi Shoes. It is not like a vegan product is something that only a vegan person can get. It is the opposite! I believe all the people can make part of it and help for a better community.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR COMPANY?
Success for me is when a customer gets my shoes. When they do, they are not only wearing footwear, they purchase in some store, they put those shoes on knowing what cruelty-free means and making sure they are contributing to a better world.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?
I confess some brands have been inspiring me for a couple of years. Insecta shoe is an awesome example of a Vegan Brazilian brand. I also find inspiration from nature and all its colors. I love the colors! Colorful prints always bring joy and light up the day.
IN ONE SENTENCE WHAT WOULD YOU TELL AN ASPIRING VEGAN ENTREPRENEUR?
Being a brand that has been growing slowly, I feel comfortable to say: “Big things come from small things.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW?
I just wanted to encourage the readers to keep going. If someone had asked me 2 years ago if I thought I could have what I do now, I wouldn’t believe a word. We have the power to do what we want. We might not get things by the time we want, or sometimes things don’t turn out the way we planned. But with patience, focus and love all the effort at the end is worth it. Don’t give up on your goals!
