10-year-old entrepreneur steps into philanthropic 'Love Sandal' startup
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 3:45PM 
Toronto's Abi Smithson is 10 years old and the youngest member of Ryerson University's Digital Media Zone. She started Love Sandal two years ago. “The Love Sandal was an idea I had this summer when I was enrolled in the Girls Learning Code Inventors Camp in downtown Toronto. I noticed my Mom had ugly tan lines on the top of her foot and thought what if the tan line was a heart, and the Love Sandal was born. Love Sandal is about chasing your dreams and following your heart!" Love Sandal donates 10% of its sales to Sick Kids. Read more about Abi's exploits in her Indiegogo page. Hit jump for the rest of the release.
-----------------Press Release-----------------------
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MET A 10-YEAR OLD ENTREPRENEUR? 10-Year Old Entrepreneur Redefines Small Business Month After Launching Philanthropic Footwear Collection Toronto, ON: This week is Toronto Fashion Week and October is small business month, but we never expected to see a 10-year old who chooses fashion, entrepreneurship and philanthropy over hanging out with friends and engaging in 5th grade gossip. Meet Abi Smithson, the youngest member of Canada’s #1 business incubator, Ryerson Digital Media Zone, who is redefining tan lines, fashion, entrepreneurship and philanthropy with the launch of her very own footwear collection Love Sandal.
Smithson envisioned the Love Sandal at 8-years old after noticing less-than-cool tan lines on her mom’s foot leftover from the basic flip flop. Her vision led her to create the socially-responsible brand; designing multiple Love Sandal collections over the past year. Thanks to the dreams of a 10-year old Toronto native, women can now sport heart shaped tan lines on their feet with sandals designed by Smithson herself.
“I noticed my mom had ugly tan lines and thought it would be better to have a heart shaped tan line instead. My parents are both entrepreneurs and have helped me put my ideas into reality with the Love Sandal” says Abi Smithson, CEO of Made by Abi Inc.
The ‘Love’ brand extends beyond a tan line. It represents a socially-responsible brand brought to life through Smithson’s philanthropic efforts. The brand is intended to empower consumers to purchase locally and be actively engaged in the community. Smithson is setting the standard for other small businesses with her commitment to donating 10% net profits to Sick Kids Foundation from the zip code in which the sandals are purchased.
The 10-year old has even bigger plans as well; to inspire youth to follow their dreams. By mid-2015, The Smithson family will launch an online course which will provide young entrepreneurs the tools necessary to build a successful business. The curriculum is being written by Smithson with the assistance of her mentors such as Aldo Group President David Bensadoun and Retail Council of Canada’s President Diane Brisboise among other influential Canadian entrepreneurs.
“I feel that there is a responsibility for entrepreneurs to give back to their community and inspire others around them to chase their dreams. The Love Sandal is about encouraging everyone regardless of age, gender or sex to do what they love and follow their heart” said Smithson “If I can build a successful shoe business at 10 years old, there is no reason that you can’t follow your heart too”.
ABOUTLove Sandal was launched in 2012 by Abi Smithson of Toronto. Abi is 10-year old female entrepreneur who has plans to inspire youth entrepreneurship. Her mission in life is to empower those around her to follow their dreams and their heart. Love Sandal comes in 4 different styles: Hippy Chick, Beach Bum and The Princess Collection available as flats or heels. Sandals can be purchased over the next 45 days via the Love Sandal Indiegogo campaign which launches today:
INDIEGOGO LINK: http://igg.me/at/lovesandalWEBSITE: http://lovesandal.com/ MEDIA & IMAGES: http://bit.ly/1t8b1QA
PR CONTACTCorey Herscu1 416.230.2225corey@herscupr.com
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