BOHEMIAN IN VOGUE BUSINESS
"Lhe satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the achievement. Total effort is complete victory".
- Mahatma Ghandi -
Bohemian in Vogue Business. A few weeks ago I received a call from Vogue Business, asking me to answer interview questions. Some of them would be published in the magazine's article. I was told that I would be sharing space with five Spanish businesswomen, with the aim of conveying what the concept of "Made in Spain" means.
At Bohemian nothing makes us feel prouder than producing our shoes in Spain and contributing to an activity that creates wealth and jobs in different areas. That's why it took me three seconds to say "YES". A resounding "YES"... Without hesitation or doubt.
This article is intended to give you an insight into the content of the interview. So that you can get to know Bohemian in depth and so that you can appreciate the effort involved in maintaining production in our country, when there are much cheaper and more lucrative options. I am very clear: in Spain, always.
Bohemian Shoes & Vogue Business
Brief personal biography
My name is Eva Veiga. I am Galician by birth and by heart. I am the founder of Bohemian. I am a nurse, although I do not practice. Currently my professional activity is limited to the development of my brand.
I got married very young and since then I have lived in different places in Spain and France. I currently live in Madrid. I have two daughters aged 19 and 8.
What does "Made in Spain" mean to you?
"Made in Spain" means paying tribute to this wonderful country of ours and its people. Paying tribute to history and tradition, to our wonderful landscapes, our language, our customs, our character, our diversity and our cultural richness. It is to seek within what we will never find outside, because we are unique. Also in style and fashion. And of course, in the manufacture of footwear.
What were the origins of Bohemian?
I created Bohemian two and a half years ago, encouraged by my husband, who believes in me more than I believe in myself. Although I have no business knowledge, I have always been interested in fashion and I saw in shoes an opportunity to explore my creative spirit and get closer to what I love the most: people. Bohemian That's what it is... My bond with people through shoes.
What distinguishes your shoes from others?
My brand is totally people-oriented. What distinguishes my shoes from others is that they are the result of the passion and values that I try to cultivate in my daily life. Rigorous work, self-demanding, respect for my clients, honesty and commitment. This means that I always strive for excellence in what I offer. And this can only be achieved by offering handcrafted footwear, manufactured in a traditional way and using premium quality natural raw materials. We fully identify with the "Slow fashion" and "Ecofriendly" concepts.
In short, Bohemian offers footwear that is closely linked to our values and people.
Did you have a hard time finding your suppliers and where are they located?
At Bohemian we are convinced that Spain is home to the best craftsmen in the manufacture of footwear. And as Spaniards, we are proud that this is so. That is why our products are entirely handmade in our country, by craftsmen with decades of experience in the sector. As far as suppliers are concerned, we use the best. In most cases, national (leather). But also Italian (velvets) or British (tartans).
The search for suppliers, when you want to offer the best raw materials, is always complicated; but in our case it has been very easy. When you present a solid project that is guided by honesty, everything is easier and everyone is happy to be part of it.
Did you consider the possibility of producing outside our borders?
Never. Bohemian in a Spanish brand and proud to produce locally and thus contribute to a circular economy that generates wealth and creates jobs. This is even more important in these difficult times and economic crisis we are going through, when so many people are having a hard time.
Is it possible to grow a lot without losing this essence?
Bohemian will never lose its essence, whatever it grows. Because that would mean renouncing my values. And that is not possible because my values are inalienable.
At a business level, what are the main advantages and disadvantages of staying in our country?
The main drawback is that you pay a huge amount in taxes. At Bohemian We are happy to do so because, however they are managed by our leaders, we believe they are necessary. But it is true that the profit margin is greatly reduced and it is difficult to get a return on your work, especially when you offer a product with a price so tight for a luxury shoe like the one you offer. Bohemian.
But it also has advantages. The main one is the proximity to craftsmen and suppliers. In the case of Bohemian we work side by side with them, practically on a daily basis. It is a one-to-one relationship, almost like a family. This allows us to create more and better and establish links and a mutual commitment that improves the product and the service.
Do you think that the origin of the product influences the customer's purchasing decision?
Absolutely. Spanish consumers are aware of our country's strength in certain areas. Footwear is one of them. Spanish shoes are a reference all over the world. Not long ago we were not aware of this, but we are becoming more and more convinced and opting for local production. It is something that creates wealth and is good for everyone.
Do you think the coronavirus has changed our consumer habits and does this help your business concept?
In my opinion, it may be so, but only in part. Online commerce has experienced a boom to which the pandemic has probably contributed. However, regardless of the exceptionality of the current situation, people are losing their fear of shopping online. It is much faster and more convenient, it is secure with today's protocols and you can get the product in a short time at more competitive prices. Moreover, with business concepts such as Bohemianthe treatment is as close as the one you get in a physical shop. I would go so far as to say that it is even closer in many cases. I believe that online commerce has not yet reached its peak and still has a significant margin for growth. And that's where my brand will be.
Enjoy this magical Sunday very much!
A hug.
Eva Veiga - Bohemian Shoes -
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