Nisolo

Nisolo is a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand operating in the ethical and sustainable fashion market, with a focus on footwear and accessories. The company was established in 2011 by co-founders Patrick Woodyard and Zoe Cleary. The founding idea emerged from Woodyard's background in global economics and microfinance, which led him to Trujillo, Peru. There, he observed a community of skilled shoemakers who lacked access to global markets to sell their handcrafted products. This insight, combined with a desire to create a business model that prioritizes the well-being of its producers, formed the foundation of Nisolo, a name which translates to "not alone."

Patrick Woodyard's journey began with a degree in International Studies and experience in microfinance, which exposed him to the economic challenges faced by artisans in developing countries. Zoe Cleary brought her expertise from the mainstream fashion industry, having worked for major labels and possessing a deep understanding of design and production. Dissatisfied with the industry's lack of transparency and ethical consideration for workers, she joined Woodyard to build a brand centered on responsible manufacturing. Their combined vision was to offer high-quality, timeless designs while ensuring ethical treatment for producers and environmental responsibility.

Nisolo's business model is built on vertical integration and direct sales to consumers, which eliminates middlemen and allows for fair pricing. The company sells a range of products for men and women, including leather shoes, boots, sandals, belts, bags, and accessories, available through its website and retail stores. A key component of its operations is its factory in Trujillo, Peru, which allows for direct oversight of production conditions. All producers in their supply chain receive beyond fair trade wages, healthcare, paid time off, and access to financial literacy programs. Nisolo has expanded its ethical production by partnering with vetted factories in Mexico and Kenya.

The company is a Certified B Corporation and Climate Neutral Certified, underscoring its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance. Nisolo utilizes responsibly sourced materials, such as leather that is a byproduct of the meat industry and sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG) Certified tanneries. To further its commitment to transparency, Nisolo introduced the "Sustainability Facts Label" on its products, which details the social and environmental impact across its supply chain, covering aspects from wages to carbon footprint. The company also runs a shoe reclamation program in partnership with Soles4Souls, allowing customers to send in used shoes to be distributed to micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Keywords: ethical footwear, sustainable fashion, direct-to-consumer, B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, living wages, leather goods, artisan-made, Patrick Woodyard, Zoe Cleary, Peruvian artisans, transparent supply chain, social impact brand, handmade shoes, sustainable accessories, ethical production, fair trade wages, Nashville startup, shoe reclamation program, Sustainability Facts Label