THE DESIRE TO CREATE
Back in 2015 I read a book about Peter Florjancic, the most popular Slovenian inventor. Just like him, I also come from the town of Bled. His life story inspired me with the desire to create. I spent the summer looking for ideas.
BIRTH OF THE IDEA
Close to my house there is a river where take my dog for a walk (by the way his name is Zaki). He loves swimming in the river. While he was swimming I often walked on the pebble river bank. It felt really comfortable, like a massage except for a few painful moments, when I stepped on a sharp pebble. I remembered hearing about how healthy barefoot walking is and I started thinking how could I incorporate it into everyday life without looking like a weirdo or accidentally stepping on glass. In a few days the idea for healthy flip flops with pebbles was born.
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KICKSTARTER
A few prototypes and meetings later I realised I need more money to bring the idea to life, as all of my earnings were beginning to run out. Despite not liking the idea I decided to share my idea on Kickstarter. We spent last summer preparing the Kickstarter campaign. You can still check out our Kickstarter page and see what we made. We made a few personal models, recorded a video presentation, shot a few photos and built our first website. Unfortunately we ran out of money for marketing and our campaign didn’t reach the goal, but we got a lot of positive feedback and orders from the few people that have seen it.
The next few months have been very hard. With almost no money left, we set out to complete our last orders before giving up on the idea.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I love my Zakistar flip flops! First, the pebble footbed - I was a bit skeptical at first, but they really do feel like they're massaging your feet as you walk! And the leather thong is super soft and comfy, too! Also, because I walk on different terrains - city streets, docks, trails - I appreciate the sturdy soles. Who wants to step on a rock or a shell and feel it through your flip flops? They run true to size, for the most part, except my stubby little toes give me some extra room on the front end! The only down side? I only have one pair!
Tina
Editor, Traveleidoscope.comThank you! They are gorgeous!
Marta Barczok
I love how it makes my feet feel. Gives me energy!
Ana Braga
- In record time thank you 🙂 they are lovely - would definitely order again.My feedback re flip flops:- Some of the bronze colouring has rubbed away where my foot sits, now looks grey on first wear- Some of the stones have come off (not noticeable and also wear my foot sits) but thought this may happen with a few anyway- I would have preferred them ever so slightly longer (at the back) as although they do fit, I'm conscious my foot is overhanging slightly at the back. I have long toes so normally find it that the front of the flip flop can be too small if I don't go up a size. Width wise I think they are fine, maybe slightly wider but I have wide feet 😉Hope that all helps, please see it as constructive feedback - I would still buy from you again
They are gorgeous - love them.
Becki xx
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going." - Roy T. Bennett
PLOT TWIST
As in every good story there was a turn of events. The customers we put our last hope in, responded. Their amazing feedback got us back on our feet, and gave us the motivation we needed. Zakistar was back. We set new plans and with fresh wind in our sails we set of towards winter, determined to solve the production problems and continue.