Today we’d like to introduce you to David and Katy Katz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Katy and I have always been active and we have always had an issue with socks getting holes and not being comfortable. On top of that, there has always been a passion and drive in both of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. This past March I went to North Carolina for a training on how to manufacture socks. For the next six months, we worked with a team of specialists to come up with the perfect blend of yarn. This blend needed to incorporate extreme comfort, a one size fits all sock, and most importantly, we needed to develop a sock that would help the environment. Through our own research, we became very connected to the plastics movement. In particular, how plastics affected the ocean and marine life. It was from there, that we knew our focus had to be about a sock that could somehow positively impact the ocean and its inhabitants. With that understanding, we went to work and are happy to say that swaggr socks are made almost entirely out of recycled plastic bottles. Our mission is to use recycled plastic bottles to prevent them from making their way to the ocean. So, here we are, less than one month away from launching on Indiegogo on October 17th. We can’t be more excited to share these socks with the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t necessarily use the term smooth. We have always kept the process moving forward. Fluid may be a better term. In the beginning, we did a lot of research and the business went through many changes, which was both challenging and exciting. The struggle, in my opinion, has been not jumping too far ahead too quickly before we have really thought through as much of the product and processes as possible.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Swaggr – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our company manufactures athletic socks made from almost entirely recycled plastic bottles. On top of that, they truly are a one size fits all. We have designed the socks very meticulously to meet two requirements – sustainability and fit. Our socks will fit anyone from a kids size one to an adult men size 16. As we have embarked on this journey of focusing on ridding the environment of plastic bottles, we have become more self-aware of how much plastic we as a society use as part of our daily lives. To see the effects of that is astonishing. I do not believe that the majority of people even understand what is happening in the oceans as a result of their plastic use. I am so proud of the fact that not only do we have a fantastic product that is sustainable but that we are bringing awareness to the devastating effects that plastics have on our oceans.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We love that Houston is a melting pot. There are so many cultures, backgrounds, and religions. There really are not many other places like it. The food is pretty fantastic as well. We moved from Minnesota about four years ago, and although, I have to pay respect to MN for its outstanding cuisine, you can’t top a Houston BBQ. I know I am going on and on about the great things, but the last thing we love is the weather. Katy and I both grew up in Wisconsin and went to college in Minnesota, and so the idea of being outside in the sun during January and February was unfathomable. We could live without the traffic. We would rather spend our time outside than in the car.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.getswaggr.com
- Email: hello@getswaggr.com
- Instagram: @getswaggr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getswaggr/
- Twitter: @getswaggr
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
