Ten years ago, I met Ocean Sole founder, Julie Church, when I was leading sourcing safaris in Kenya. As the hostess with the mostest, she introduced me to interesting and lively people in her orbit and even lent me her trampoline to launch Maasai jumpers in the air for a photoshoot. I have many fond memories staying with at her oasis in Karen and family lake home in Naivaisha. She a powerful force and represents many of the badass women I’ve met in Kenya.
Julie is a true creative and passionate about the ocean and conservation.
Inspired by the toys children were making out of the flip-flop debris, she created Ocean Sole, a social enterprise, that upcycles washed up flip-flops found along the beaches and waterways in Kenya. She encouraged their mothers to collect, wash, and cut the discarded flip-flops into colourful products to sell at local Kenyan Markets as another means of income for their families.
The social enterprise positively impacts over a 1,000 Kenyans through the collection of flip-flops and direct employment. They provide steady income to nearly 100 low-income Kenyans in our company. Their aim to recycle a million flip flops year, recycle over one tonne of styrofoam a month, and save over five hundred trees a year - by using flip flops instead of wood. Ocean Sole contribute over 10-15% of their revenue to beach cleanups, vocational and educational programmes as well as conservation efforts.
The social enterprise pays bonuses to employees, invest in a welfare programme that allows a zero return in funds to all employees to help facilitate payments for educating their children, buying land and other means.
I traveled back to Kenya last August to meet with the Ocean Sole team to design a new beaded adjustable cuff bracelet made from flip flops.
I’m thrilled to launch our new Love Is Project x Ocean Sole collaboration of Upcycled Flip Flop bracelets! They come in five colors: Coral Reef, Blue Dolphins, Zebra Shark, Green Turtle and Pink Flamingo.
Oprah is even flipping out over them! We are so honored to be feature on the
Oprah List for the third time!
Use code: OPRAH for 20% OFF our collection!
*Julie Church has since sold the Ocean Sole business and working on her new venture
Sea4Life Safaris. If you are looking for your next diving adventure in Sudan, Tanzania or Kenyan coast,
look no further!
