Many ask me what's behind my world, what's behind a company like that of the Venus Shoe, and I want to show you every aspect of this microcosm that I experience every day. Behind a simple production of handcrafted shoes there is a very solid philosophy, which we could define as zero km, by choice. A sustainable choice to try to change a world I didn't like in my small way.
In the past it happened that ...
I've talked about it many times. Especially when I told you about my story, on occasion of the ten years of the Venus Slipper. I worked in the factory with my parents, I followed the accounts and often helped in production as well. A lot of efforts, a thousand sacrifices, only to see my parents more and more in a bad mood. The crisis was there, with the breath on the neck. Me, my mother, my father and my brother worked 12 hours a day but without the expected results. Every day we fought the anguish of non-payments, debt collection and consequently with the anxiety of not being able to pay the salary to those who worked with us every day.
When I created the Scarpetta Di Venere I decided to subvert the rules, because being a "subcontractor", as they say in my part, brought neither value nor satisfaction. The big names have always entrusted the production to the Marche shoe factories, then they began to choose countries with low-cost labor, trying to save a little on all fronts - even the human one.
I stopped producing for anyone else, I was no longer a supplier. After so many years of passion, I could no longer accept any of those mechanisms that seemed insurmountable. The whole system is based on unclear and confused logic: the steps are not transparent and the processes too vague. Putting myself in the shoes of those who buy, I understand that it is really difficult to juggle in search of true and reliable information, of quality products and truly Made in Italy. Yes, because, to be precise, Made in Italy means a process in which all the steps take place within the Italian territory. And guaranteeing it is not easy, this is what increases the value of products that retain this brand.
For those who buy it is difficult to understand if a shoe really contains the quality that was promised, especially since we are talking about a complex product that includes many steps, many of which are invisible to the naked eye.
The new supply chain of the Venus shoe
My little revolution started like this. I chose the right local suppliers who would accompany me on the journey. I only use leathers that derive from the food industry, most of them are vegetable tanned, without using harmful chemicals. We often hand dye our shoes, which is also quite fun, I must admit.
Production always takes place in-house. At the head is my brother Gianluca, who coordinates each phase. Some phases are entrusted to the outside, to other local artisans, such as hemming, a part of the cut, small processes such as sewing the bottom. These are small businesses with which I have been collaborating for years, and every time I deliver or collect goods it is a pleasure to stop and have a chat.
It is part of the revolution, in fact, to re-establish relationships of trust and true relationships, an idea that I am also applying in communication.
To truly guarantee the quality I promise to my customers, I have chosen to produce in small quantities. Each series is limited and once finished, it is no longer reproduced with the same leather or print. That's just what sections exist for "in promotion" or “Latest issues", because I have never joined the seasonal sales. Instead, these are shoes of which few numbers remain and which end up in promotion because they will no longer be reproduced.
Finally, to find the right balance between value and quality and ensure that my shoes reach each of you with the right price, I have eliminated all intermediaries. You can find the shoes I produce only in Scarpetta di Venere brand stores, or in Bologna and Sirolo. (Maybe soon elsewhere too, but I can't say more). Or, if geography is your enemy, you can always order online!
A difficult but conscious choice.
As with food products, the short supply chain is a production and distribution system that shortens the distance between the producer and the consumer, allowing him to experience real quality at the right price. In fact, accessibility is added to this: by increasing the steps the price would begin to rise and not everyone could afford a handmade shoe.
We often talk about quality as a value, but for me it remains a fact of perception. My goal is to show you the work behind the work of a craftsman, justifying each step.
One step at a time, shortening the distance between us every day.
