The shoes that keep on giving and providing a platform for African creatives

Thando’s foldable flats were designed to offer women comfort and convenience in one portable, stylish product. However, Thandos goes way beyond the product itself, the shoe represents a far bigger mission for the couple behind Thandos which is the shoe that keeps on giving and providing an important platform for African creatives.

Thando’s shoes are foldable ballerina flats, giving women a compact and comfortable shoe option that they can easily take with them on the go. These unique flats allow for the versatility and comfort that women crave. Switch to heels and back stress-free with a pair of Thando's you can keep handy in your bag.

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Thando's Mission

Thando's mission is to 'create innovative African designed products for the world while positively impacting the communities the designs come from'. Thando's believes that with their flagship product, a foldable ballet shoe, they are 'taking a step in the right direction - pardon the pun.'

The Founders

Thando’s was founded in 2014 by two New York University students, Taffi and JG Ayodele.

Taffi is said to be a perpetual overachiever whose hectic schedule and high heels often meant very sore soles. Sometimes the best ideas are borne out of personal experience. Taffi turned her pain into profit when she came up with the pain-free Thando's. The couple to created an innovative footwear line 'that facilitates a modern woman’s busy lifestyle while supporting African artists.'

Her husband, JG, is a 'practical art-enthusiast with an equally keen finance acumen and flare for fashion.'

The couple were inspired by love. Their love for each other which allowed the partnership to be as strong as it, their love for Africa which made them want to create something in and for the continent and finally their love for art which is evident in every Thando's design.

Female Empowerment

Thando's began by wanting to support African women in the fabric trade. Their unique designs and ankara print would not only look great, but go towards supporting a worthy cause.

However, along the way, they realised that as well as supporting, they could also empower these women as well as African artists as a whole who largely go unnoticed. They decided to partner with the African artists and taste-makers from all over Africa who inspire their designs.

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Crowd-sourced Designs

For it's next initiative, Thando's is dedicated to building a special platform for style-centric creative talent. In the future, they hope to crowd-source designs from Afropolitan men and women. They want to harness the creative talents and powers that populate our continent and diaspora to create a product that we call all be a part of and be proud of.

Thando's is providing much-needed exposure for African creatives who may not necessary have a platform to display their designs.

Thando's is truly taking their product from Africa, to the world.

Color Creatives featuring Thando's Shoes