In this episode, I sit down with João Esteves, founder of DiVERGE Sneakers, a brand that's rewriting the rules of footwear from the ground up.

We discuss why customization matters, how DiVERGE puts the customer’s individuality front and center, and what it truly takes to build a business rooted in purpose, not just profit.

João opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, including the emotional resilience required to stay the course and the people who believed in him when the business needed it most.

From launching a brand inspired by a Robert Frost poem to becoming a B Corp committed to people and the planet, João shares how DiVERGE is challenging mass production and the wasteful norms of the fashion industry. We also dive into the brand’s incredible social impact program that helps underprivileged youth design their own shoes and share their stories with the world.

🎙️ Key Highlights from the Episode

* Why João built a brand around personalization and empowerment

* The emotional resilience required to start a business later in life

* How DiVERGE is combating fashion overproduction and landfill waste

* The power of a B Corp to align values with action

* Training underserved youth to design sneakers and share their stories

Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to how DiVERGE is helping people make their own way, one custom sneaker at a time. Whether you’re into fashion, sustainability, or founder stories that go deep, this one’s for you.

For more on DiVERGE Sneakers visit:  https://www.diverge-sneakers.com/en-us

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. 

Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. 

Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/

Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create a consistent omnichannel presence, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more. 

Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above.