After years of preparation and hard work, Markus Lacaria debuted his Luigi Sardo footware collection in mid-2011, and saw instant success, selling out immediately after release. With his second collection set to launch this June, Markus explains how he is powered by family and respect in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
The design and manufacture of footwear and accessories.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I started the business primarily because I love shoes. Another thing I love is manufacturing, in a general sense. So I began manufacturing shoes, and my grandfather is the inspiration behind the name “Luigi Sardo”, as he’s a true Italian gentlemen who came to Canada with nothing, after surviving World War 2 and being a POW for 10 years. Also, the feeling you get when you wear a new pair of shoes – that gets me going!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Visiting factories and setting up assembly lines, co-ordinating production, essentially, creating. The most challenging part would be communicating with foreign manufacturers.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Fashion week and runways across the world and Luigi Sardo stores in other countries.
What does success look like to you?
Wearing only boardshorts and surfing all day, no cellphone, no computer, no television, living in Tropea, Calabria with my loved ones.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Kanye West told me my stuff was dope and gave me daps while boarding a flight from Brisbane to LA.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You catch more bees with honey than vinegar, and swallow your pride when it comes to business.
What is Notable to you?
Creating something from nothing and good karma.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone or Android, BB fell off.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Staying fit, traveling, making others happy and being positive.