As environmental awareness grows globally, the fashion industry has seen a notable shift toward sustainable and ethical practices. Homegrown Filipino shoe brand Triloueva has emerged as a leading advocate for eco-friendly footwear, offering trendy and comfortable designs crafted from vegan leather, locally sourced fabric, and exquisite wooden heels.
Triloueva, a portmanteau of its founder’s name, TRIna LOUisse EVAngelista, began its journey in 2014 with a minimal capital of only P5,000. Driven by a personal quest for stylish yet affordable shoes for her size 10 feet, Trina embarked on a journey to create footwear that catered to her needs and aligned with her values.
Trina is very hands-on, overseeing every aspect of her business—from design and branding to marketing and operations. She collaborates with skilled artisans in Marikina, known for their expertise in shoemaking, to ensure the highest quality standards.
Operating solely with the support of her immediate family, Trina launched her own online footwear business, attracting young professionals seeking a blend of sustainable and affordable work and business casual shoes. Her marketing strategy artfully straddled the line, presenting Triloueva shoes as luxurious yet reasonably priced.
The average lifecycle for Triloueva shoes is 3 to 5 years, a testament to the quintessential craftsmanship of the artisans Trina collaborates with. The brand gained popularity over time thanks to its top-notch quality and fresh designs.
When the pandemic hit, the brand skyrocketed in popularity as Filipino celebrities and influencers rallied behind local labels like Triloueva. Today, Triloueva products are not just sold online but are also available at major shopping malls in Manila and Alabang.
The brand’s success has extended beyond the domestic market. Triloueva has received orders from international customers, prompting the need for reliable logistics solutions. Through partnerships with companies like FedEx, Triloueva has been able to expand its global reach and ship its products to customers worldwide.
“For the past years, I’ve received requests from customers asking me to ship abroad but I had a hard time figuring out the logistics of doing it. When I turned to FedEx for support, I was pleasantly surprised how they were able to activate my corporate account within 24 hours. Since then, FedEx has helped elevate my brand to the next level by opening up more opportunities to ship our products to customers worldwide with utmost convenience,” Trina said.
As a strong supporter of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the Philippines, FedEx takes pride in offering a robust platform for local entrepreneurs to venture into international markets. With a vast network serving over 220 countries and territories, FedEx empowers SMEs like Triloueva to amplify their global presence.
Having built a solid name in the fashion world, Trina is even more motivated to expand her business beyond shoes. She envisions a boutique featuring diverse accessories and apparel and dreams of innovating Triloueva’s product line, contemplating the inclusion of unique heel designs through international collaborations with renowned fashion designers. Moreover, Trina is determined to expand her brand’s e-commerce presence and eventually conquer the Asian market.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Trina’s advice is, “Do not force yourself to keep up with trends.” Amidst competitors shifting their manufacturing hubs for quick sales, she champions quality over fleeting trends.
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