It was this time last year that I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my full-time job. Despite fear and uncertainty, I knew there was a different way of doing things… telling stories, making an impact – one that wouldn’t require compromising values and losing pieces of myself.

Reading the story of CARIUMA, a brand of consciously-made sneakers, immediately struck a chord with me.

Born in Brazil (but citizens of the world), the founders of CARIUMA are former shoe execs who left their corporate jobs to pursue a more inspired path.

Guided by their conscience, CARIUMA sneakers are “handcrafted with premium natural materials, an obsessive eye for detail, and a conscious mind.”

Their craftsmen work in safe conditions earning fair wages. The packaging is made from recycled and 100% recyclable materials by suppliers who are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Even the shipping and transportation of products to customers is 100% carbon neutral. CARIUMA purchases carbon offsets to make up for emissions- creating a footprint balance of zero.

I am wearing CARIUMA’s OCA Low Sneaker in black premium leather. They are as comfortable as they are versatile. I love how they can be easily dressed up or down for different occasions.

Latex for the natural rubber is harvested through ethical ‘tapping’ that removes sap from the bark without harming the trees. None of their leather is sourced from an area deforested for cattle farming (an issue that has come under high scrutiny in light of the Amazon fires). Additionally, 100% of the water used in the leather process is reused and treated with zero chemical waste output.

Brands like CARIUMA give me hope that there is a better way forward in fashion. We don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability, or quality for value. Learn more at cariuma.com.