The Desire to Create
It all began in 2015, when I read about Peter Florjančič, Slovenia’s most famous inventor, who also hailed from my hometown of Bled. His incredible life story sparked something in me—a desire to create something meaningful. That summer, I found myself endlessly searching for an idea, something unique that could make an impact.
The Birth of an Idea
Close to my home is a serene river where I love taking my dog, Zaki, for walks. Zaki, ever the water enthusiast, loves swimming in the cool waters while I wander along the pebble-covered riverbank. As I walked barefoot, I noticed how soothing the pebbles felt underfoot—like a natural massage. That is, until I stepped on a sharp one!
This got me thinking. I’d heard about the health benefits of walking barefoot, but how could I enjoy this sensation every day without worrying about glass or uneven surfaces? That’s when it hit me: what if I could incorporate the natural comfort of pebbles into something wearable? A few days later, the idea for Zakistar thongs was born—a fusion of health, nature, and everyday style.
Kickstarting a Dream
Turning the idea into reality was no small feat. After creating a few prototypes and endless brainstorming sessions, I realized I needed more funds to bring Zakistar to life. With hesitation, I turned to Kickstarter.
That summer, my team and I poured our hearts into the campaign. We designed personalized flip flops, recorded videos, took photos, and even launched our first website. While the campaign didn’t meet its goal due to a lack of marketing resources, the positive feedback we received was overwhelming. People loved the concept, and we even got some early orders.
But it wasn’t easy. Those months after Kickstarter were some of the hardest. With almost no money left, we focused on fulfilling our remaining orders, clinging to hope that this wasn’t the end.
Plot Twist
Just when it felt like it was time to give up, everything changed. The customers who had tried our flip flops started reaching out with amazing feedback. Their encouragement reignited our passion and gave us the motivation to keep going. With new plans and a fresh sense of purpose, we tackled every production challenge and came back stronger than ever.
