In the endless calls that connected Alexandra and Sergio, separated by the Atlantic back in 2019, two themes came up recurrently: the desire to start a personal project and their passion for sneakers. From Mexico to Mallorca, they discussed ideas, compared models and analyzed launches until, once they met and settled in Barcelona for love, they rolled up their sleeves and asked themselves why not go for it, why not dare and launch themselves into the adventure.
No sooner said than done: they organized crowdfunding, achieved the goal and created KUMI, an idea that first emerged in Barcelona but took shape in Mallorca, where they moved to bring their idea to life. 'The first orders went out when we were already on the island, which has given us the opportunity to live in a different way, much more quietly, as a family and as entrepreneurs', says Alex.
With comfort, timelessness and versatility as their flag – sneakers to enjoy any plan that arises – they draw sketches that, later, a designer turns into prototypes. In a family and artisan studio in Elche with which they work hand in hand, -'it was a non-negotiable that it would be a product made in Spain', says Alex-, their first samples and prototypes are tried and tested directly on their feet. 'First of all, we try them ourselves on trips, on a night out, in our day-to-day... and when we understand that it is 'that' shoe, we start production'.
'We work with recycled materials and it's not always easy: you have to adapt what you imagined in your head to what can be done'.
This production is always limited, as they avoid storing large quantities of stock, aware that they do not want to be part of the overproduction that reigns in the world of fashion, and because they prioritize the high quality of a product that must comply with the values that beat at the heart of the brand: the sneakers are vegan -they do without leather and glues with ingredients of animal origin- and incorporate certified recycled materials, 'although it is not always easy, because you have to adapt what you imagined in your head to what can be done'.
For now, the KUMI universe spans across three lines today, BUT in September, Alex teases enthusiastically, two new models will be launched, so watch this space! Suede – the first ones they created – are basic sneakers that, with their palette of shades, adapt to everyone and are ideal for traveling because 'they go well with everything and you don't have to pack anything else'.
Line is their most summery model. Breathable and cool, they have captivated their community of outstanders. Their red version is the favorite of those looking to give a punch to an everyday look. Urban and retro-style, the High Top is their most daring bet: boot-shaped sneakers, available in black and white, that pay homage to vintage aesthetics.
'Any entrepreneur knows the difficulties that arise and at some point you want to throw in the towel, but then you think about your purpose, that you have put your heart and soul into it, and you move on'.
KUMI captures Alex and Sergio's traveling soul and enthusiastic spirit, but not everything has been rosy. For the moment, they have given up selling on channels other than their own website and not long ago they announced that they had come close to shutting the shop and throwing away the key. 'Any entrepreneur knows the difficulties that arise and at some point you want to throw in the towel, but then you think about your purpose, that you have put your heart and soul into it'.
With the same love and respect with which they create their sneakers, the couple also takes care of every detail of the packaging and has made receiving a new pair of shoes at home an experience: the box contains a recycled cotton card with care instructions, a handwritten thank you postcard and a sticker that invites you to get out there and embark on a new adventure.
Despite the distance and several moves, the desire to enter lush forests, swim in hidden beaches and discover other cultures brought Alex and Sergio together. They only needed a pair of comfortable shoes to seize the day and get the most out of the experience. To do so, they created a life project that has shown that the rules of the game could change. Now, let the adventure continue, because there is still a long way to go.
