Each year, millions of Americans throw away shoes that end up taking up space in landfills. But a new Triangle-based company is working to change that. Kinder Soles, a company founded by Mark Saad and Chris Smith, has partnered with the nonprofit Soles4Souls to turn used shoes into an opportunity to provide footwear for needy children.
The company creates eco-friendly flip-flops that are ergonomically designed to provide proper arch and heel support, and mold to the shape of the foot. Through their partnership with Soles4Souls, the company accepts donations of used shoes for a discount on new Kinder Soles.
Kinder Soles will celebrate its launch this week with a party at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub and Restaurant in Raleigh. The festivities run from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and will feature a performance by the bluegrass band Big Fat Gap. Local artists and vendors will be on hand, and there will be a silent auction to benefit Sole4Souls. Attendees are encouraged to bring a pair of used shoes to donate in exchange for a $20 discount toward the purchase of Kinder Soles sandals.
Tir Na Nog is located at 218 S. Blount St., Raleigh. www.kindersoles.com.
For the whimsical among us
Looking at the creations of Raleigh designer Ashley Clark, you get the feeling she creates with a certain type of woman in mind. Whether fashioning tiaras and hats out of vibrantly colored paper and jeweled brooches, or creating glittering home accents and decorations from vintage cards and sparkling beads, Clark creates, with a healthy dose of humor, accessories, gifts and home accents that appeal to the woman with a taste for fancy.
Clark's Goldbug Studio designs will be on display this week during several events. Her Follystore, which is open to the public only a few times per year, opens its doors from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday for a champagne preview party highlighting some of the brand's newest items. Later that evening, 6 to 9:30 p.m., the store will host a masquerade ball, with prizes awarded for best hat, mask and costume. On Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the store will again be open, featuring Goldbug Studio designs, artisan jewelry and more.
Goldbug Studio is located at 518 Pershing Road, Raleigh. 834-1523, www.goldbugstudio.com.
