Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Irvani.
Sara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My grandfather and father started the company in 1984 – we’ve sold 35 million pairs of shoes since then! As the third generation, I am excited to be defining the model of sustainably Made in USA.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is never easy to take the path less traveled! It has taken a lot of creativity and resilience to flourish in the US when only 1% of shoes are made in the country. From developing our closed-loop manufacturing system to perfecting the flip flop, it’s never a dull day.
Please tell us about Oka-B.
We are known for our cute, colorful, and comfortable flip flops, sandals, and ballet flats. They are perfect for any adventure – whether at home or away. We are so proud to make our shoes the right way with our own recyclable, vegan bio-based material. Nothing beats getting a letter from a super fan saying how much they love their new flip flops!
Do you feel like Atlanta is a good place for businesses like Okabashi Brands? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can Atlanta do to improve?
Atlanta is an ideal place to grow a business. There is such a rich talent pool, and the world-class logistics hub is a game-changer for any team working with physical products. And nothing beats the quality of life with Southern traditions and warm hospitality.
Contact Info:
- Address: Okabashi Brands Inc.
4823 Roy Carlson Blvd.
Buford, GA 30518 - Website: https://www.oka-b.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oka_b/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveOKAb/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/okab?lang=en
Image Credit:
Oka-B
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
