In the dynamic world of fashion, where trends come and go like fleeting moments, there emerges a brand that not only captures the essence of style but also stands as a testament to compassion and ethical choices. Desirèe Dupuis, the visionary founder of Voes & Co, leads a revolution in the fashion industry by offering sustainable, cruelty-free designer footwear that seamlessly blends fashion-forward aesthetics with a deep commitment to our planet and its inhabitants.
A Vision Inspired by Conscious Living
Desirèe’s journey with Voes & Co began with a profound awakening. Deeply committed to a vegan lifestyle since 2008, Desirèe was transformed by the book Skinny Bitch, which opened her eyes to the dark realities of the animal agriculture industry. This revelation ignited a fire within her to create change, leading her to embark on a vegan lifestyle and becoming an advocate for ethical consumption.
Recalling that pivotal moment, Desirèe shares, “It was the first time in my life that I realized that the piece of chicken on my plate had been a living, breathing, sentient animal, and I was appalled learning about the horrifying process animals go through to end up on our plates.”
The Birth of Voes & Co
Over the years, as Desirèe witnessed the rising tide of the vegan movement and its two distinct waves – the original animal lovers and the environmentally conscious individuals – she found herself seeking fashion options that aligned with her principles. Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for change, Desirèe founded Voes & Co. Her frustration with the lack of designer footwear options that were both vegan and sustainable led her to create a solution herself.
“Being a woman who loves fashion and footwear, it was my frustration and the lack of options available that inspired me to take it into my own hands and launch my own brand with ethically made sustainable designer footwear,” Desirèe explains.
Cactus Leather and Compassion in Every Stitch
At the heart of Voes & Co’s offerings is their commitment to quality, sustainability, and compassion. The brand’s first product, the Chelsea boot, is crafted from innovative cactus leather, providing a luxurious and eco-friendly alternative to traditional animal-derived materials. This fusion of high fashion and ethical choices resonates with consumers who seek products that align with their values.
Desirèe’s deep connection to her creations is palpable when she shares, “Voes & Co was founded from my vision to create a global icon for the movement based on love and compassion known as Veganism.”
A Multifaceted Visionary
Desirèe’s passion extends beyond fashion. As the founder of Kove, a seaweed-based CPG food company, she continues to embody sustainable practices and innovation in various aspects of her life. Additionally, her role as Chair of the board for Ruben’s Shoes Society, her very own registered charity, showcases her dedication to creating positive change on a global scale.
Desirèe reflects, “I truly live from my heart. I focus my time and energy on endeavors that provide meaning and purpose and that truly light me up.”
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Desirèe’s journey has been marked by challenges that tested her resolve and resourcefulness. Her experience with the acquisition of another business earlier this year highlights her ability to navigate complex negotiations with trust and faith as her guiding principles.
In her own words,
“The most arduous part was all of the back and forth between all of the different lawyers and making sure all of the legal agreements were properly worded and in order.”
Selling with Purpose
Desirèe’s journey also led her to sell a business in financial services, driven by a commitment to align her life with her passions. Her profound realization that her heart was not in the financial services industry led her to transition her focus toward endeavors that held more meaning. This decision not only allowed her to follow her heart but also enabled her to channel resources into Ruben’s Shoes Society, furthering her impact.
Desirèe’s advice to others is clear: “Follow your heart, follow your gut, listen to your intuition, and trust the process.”
Shaping the Future of Fashion
Desirèe Dupuis’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of aligning values with action. Through Voes & Co, she redefines fashion, proving that style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. As a multifaceted visionary, Desirèe continues to create ripples of change, not only in the fashion world but also in her advocacy for a compassionate and conscious way of life.
In the words of Desirèe Dupuis herself, “I truly live from my heart, and my journey is about making a meaningful impact.” With every step she takes, Desirèe invites us to join her in shaping a future where fashion is not only an expression of style but also a testament to our commitment to a better world.
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