Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Sacco.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was a 16-year-old surfer when I visited Latin America for the first time. Expecting paradise, I was shocked to discover poverty and social inequality on a scale previously unimagined.
Subsequent trips to the region throughout college solidified my fascination with a history rife with coups, revolution, and injustices.
I was struck by the potential of Latin America and its people, and I resolved to become part of the movement that would realize their promise.
So I worked for a non-profit to build stoves for indigenous women in Guatemala. And I interned for the State Department in Mexico City. But my non-profit work didn’t address the root of poverty, and government was too slow and had competing interests.
I was impatient for change with dwindling options, so I turned to the sector I had once shunned as the greatest perpetrator of social injustice: for-profit business.
Suddenly, I wasn’t alone. Friends had traveled different paths, only to arrive at the same destination. We formed a team.
Adelante would do business differently. Yes, we would produce shoes in Guatemala and sell them in the United States. But our cost structure would start from a baseline of paying craftsmen enough to live well in their communities. And our objective would be shared value creation rather than profit maximization.
The theory was that creating full time jobs that pay people enough to live well with their families would result in effective and sustainable economic development.
Of course, the impact model was only half the equation. You can’t build an influential company without an exceptional product. Our customers said they wanted quality, connection, and individuality. Fast.
So we built shoes that are on par with the highest quality footwear in the market at half the price. We decided on a made-to-order model that would deliver your personalized pair direct from Guatemala within 10 days. And we started experientially connecting each customer with their shoemaker throughout the production process.
The Adelante story is one of capitalism retooled. We envision a future in which business is used to reduce poverty and promote inclusive development worldwide.
Please tell us about your art.
Adelante Shoe Co. makes it possible to receive handmade, made-to-order shoes within 10 business days.
Our customers design their own unique pair, connect with their craftsman, and discover the meaningful impact of their purchase.
We employ craftsmen in Guatemala, and pay them over the Living Well Line, which is a social impact methodology that we created to define the relative cost of living well in Pastores, GT.
My desire is that Adelante fosters understanding an empathy between peoples and cultures who would never otherwise come into contact. I call it Shoe Diplomacy, and it builds bridges instead of walls.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Unless you already have money, starting a company means bootstrapping.
Most entrepreneurial ventures have some sort of financial upside, but if money is your primary motivation you’ll likely fail. Starting a company is really hard.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Come to one of our many Boston area pop up events, visit our shop at Bow Market, or visit our website.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1 bow market way, Somerville MA 02143
- Website: www.adelanteshoes.com
- Email: founders@adelanteshoes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelanteshoeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adelanteshoeco/
Image Credit:
Adelante Shoe Co.
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