Gabriel Medina details investments in sustainable footwear: ‘I’m very concerned about conservation’

html[data-range=”xlarge”] figure image img.img-09cfcf26295d781414bb93afca1233d5vvh8m9sy { width: 774px; height: 480px; }HTML[data-range=”large”] figure image img.img-09cfcf26295d781414bb93afca1233d5vvh8m9sy { width: 548px; height: 340px; }HTML[data-range=”small”] figure image img.img-09cfcf26295d781414bb93afca1233d5vvh8m9sy, html[data-range=”medium”] figure image img.img-09cfcf26295d781414bb93afca1233d5vvh8m9sy { width: 564px; height: 350px; }HTML[data-range=”small”] .article__image-embed, html[data-range=”medium”] .article__image-embed {width: 564px; margin: 0 automatic 30px; }

The surfer Gabriele Medina, 29, now divides his time between the waves and the office. In October 2023 he became a partner of Undo For Tomorrow, a Brazilian brand sustainable sneakers. The proposal attracted the athlete, who in addition to being an entrepreneur is a defender of the cause.

“Being a surfer and always connected with nature, I am very concerned about preserving the environment. The fact that Undo works with recyclable materials was something that caught my attention and was another factor in the decision to collaborate with the brand,” he said in an exclusive interview with Earth.

During the chat, the athlete also commented on how life as a businessman has changed his daily life, whether he would trade surfing for the office routine and, of course, his active role in the brand, including his vision and expectations regarding the return to the market. invested money. Watch!

Tell me, how did you become a partner at Undo?

I really like fashion and have always wanted to be able to create and develop the products I use. Since I have always been a sneaker enthusiast, starting with this segment has always been a desire I had. I’m happy that the connection with Undo worked and today I’m part of the team.

Did you already know the CEO (Patrick) or was this an opportunity you found?

I’ve been hit by Undo on Instagram a few times and the style and design caught my attention at first. A few months later, Patrick contacted us and introduced us to the brand. From that first contact until the birth of the partnership, we stayed in touch for almost 1 year and everything happened naturally and evolved into an incredible partnership.

Why invest in the footwear sector?

I’m passionate about sneakers and I really wanted to think of something that could be developed with my style, my signature and my sustainability.

We are talking about a vegan brand that works with recyclable materials. How is your relationship with this issue?

Being a surfer and always connected with nature, I am very concerned about preserving the environment. The fact that Undo works with recyclable materials was something that caught my attention and was another factor in the decision to collaborate with the brand.

How was your work as a partner?

I have direct contact with all partners and teams. I participate more strongly during product testing, giving feedback, helping improve the shoes, giving some out-of-the-box ideas and trying to get involved with the creative team for future launches.

Let’s talk a little about balancing the work side and life as an athlete.

It’s a challenge that I enjoy, it’s nice to be part of something different and learn things

new. I have my own team to help me in all areas of my professional career and the people at Undo have also been very supportive.

In your opinion, what is Undo’s most pressing request right now?

Our idea is to open sneaker sales to the B2B (wholesale) market and also enter a new market in the United States.

The company doesn’t have physical stores yet, is this something you would like to have or is the idea to continue working only online?

It’s something we’re still studying and discussing how to make it viable, but we’d like to have something physical in the future.

You’re working on a new sneaker for 2024, right? Tell me how the project is going.

YES! Our idea is to launch it in the second half of 2024. We are currently collecting feedback on the current model we have launched and are already discussing the design, colors, etc. of the next model. What I can say about the next model is that it will be something more pioneering on the market, we are working to try to get it off the ground as soon as possible.

What is the expected financial return from the brand?

Instead of talking about expected financial returns, I prefer to create an expectation

develop a brand with comfortable shoes that everyone wants to wear. Once this goal is achieved, on a global scale, I will be able to think about the financial returns. It’s a long-term project. I hope to reap the benefits in 10 years. We have just started.

The work sector can be attractive, have you ever thought about trading waves with the office?

I like to undertake and do new things, but, at the same time, I love surfing and I love the feeling that this connection with nature gives me. I don’t see myself staying away from surfing, it will still be my main activity for a long time.

Besides the sneakers you helped create, what are your plans for the brand?

Support the team and stay together to face the challenges and results we will have

in front of. Our focus for now is to remain strong in the footwear industry, there is still a lot to explore and diversify in this area based on what was discussed at our last board meeting. Over time we will create other products, always very attentive to comfort and sustainability behind them.

Finally, based on your experience, are you thinking of investing in other businesses?

I am always open to new possibilities and opportunities, it is a topic that my team and I talk about often and we are attentive to the market. Further innovations could arrive in 2024.

About Cancel for tomorrow

The brand is led by Patrick Dohmann, founding partner and managing director, as well as Felipe Siqueira, of The Growth Brands, which invests in digitally native brands. Today, Undo is only found online in Brazil and Europe, with all revenues coming from online sales. According to what was ascertained by the Earththe brand’s shoes can cost from R $ 489 to R $ 649. With the entry of Medina, the idea is to increase revenue three to five times.

Source: Terra

Amanda

I am Amanda Gans, a motivated and ambitious professional in the news writing industry. With over five years of experience in this field, I have developed an eye for detail and an ability to craft stories that captivate readers. I currently write for Gossipify, where I specialize in beauty & celebrities news. My passion lies with exploring the world of beauty through writing, interviewing experts and developing articles that are both informative and entertaining.