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Local
Entrepreneur Introduces New Shoe Design
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Derric Thompson, a former contractor, recalled a vision he had 6 years ago for a different kind of sandal.
“I wanted to design some- thing fashionable for men and in an assortment of col- ors.
“I have patented my de-
sign and I’m already negotiat- ing with some outlets. I also design the soles of the san- dals, and they can adorn whatever logo the buyer wants.”
Thompson said he went looking for something spe- cific in footwear, and when he couldn’t find it, that’s when he decided to design his own footwear.
“I’ve developed a relation- ship with a manufacturer in China, and we’re also looking at Mexico.
“The name of the shoe will be OOAKI (One Of A Kind In- dividual).’
Thompson said he de- signs his footwear based on what he’s seen and what the young people are craving.
“I’ve done some business
Leonard Boone (left) and Derric Thompson and some of the shoes they are marketing.
with Habitat, and I’m still in the marketing phase of this business. I’m also putting to- gether a website.
“I haven’t signed a manu- facturing contract yet, but I’m meeting with a lot of people. I expect my footwear to be available in 90 days. Right now, I have women and men’s boots and sandals, and a children’s version of the sandal.”
Thompson said he wants to continue to build the brand and the line, and he will use outreach ministries to give away some shoes while at the same time pre- senting them to the public.
“For every pair of shoes sold, a free pair will be given to an outreach ministry. My motto is “Help Us Shoe The World One Shoe At A Time.”
Leonard Boone, vice president of marketing, said he’s known Thompson for more than 20 years, and it’s fortunate the can get together and put a product out that’s great.
“We’ll be able to create jobs for people, and also put together a grant to found a school that teaches children how to make shoes. We think this will help them develop their own entrepreneurial in- terests.”
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015