Today we’d like to introduce you to Eveay Tatman.
Hi Eveay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
2020, what a year for everyone… Like everyone in the world, I found myself sitting at home and trying to keep it all together. I frequently pushed my business ideas aside because it was never the perfect time to start them. During the lockdown, I thought this is a huge opportunity to finally start what I have been pushing aside for so long and focus on something creative and excited during a very challenging time. I am incredibly lucky to have very supportive friends and family to help me.
From the leather colors to photoshoots, names to modeling, many people have helped and encouraged me. My career has taken me in different directions in various management positions at international companies in the hospitality industry. When I became a mother, I started to care more about using natural products. I had the chance to use different products that inspired me because of our multicultural family structure, living and traveling abroad for a long time. I wanted to create e-commerce only to sell affordable, sustainable, stylish, and ethically made products for everyday fashion and started with completely natural, handmade shoes from my own roots. It was not a difficult decision for me to decide where to start since I used to bring those shoes to my friends every time I traveled to and from Turkey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is never easy to start a new business with a brand new idea. Add on the limitations on international travel due to pandemic, it was extremely challenging trying to have hours of video calls, selecting materials and colors not being able to touch and feel. It was very risky not knowing what the actual products were going to look like.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Antheplife is a sustainable brand that believes in feeling good, looking good, and doing good. Antheplife shoes are traditional heelless shoes that have a 600-year history in Southern Anatolia and are one of the rare natural products that have survived to this day. They are 100% handcrafted, made from all-natural materials, including high-quality vegetable-dyed Italian leather. Constructing the shoe requires both patience and preciosity. Today the shoes are produced by a limited number of artists in Gaziantep. I take pride in our products and hold a heartfelt relationship with the atelier we work with. These Masters are dedicated to preserving the original art, using the age-old techniques, honoring their culture and the masters who came before them. It is 4 days process to create a each pair.
Antheplife believes in local culture, and we keep it alive. Antheplife is also partners with the Keep Texas Clean Foundation, giving back a portion from every sale to protect our state. Wearing sustainable shoes is one of the most positive, impactful things you can do as a conscious consumer.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Relentless persistency. Antheplife shoe: They are the everyday footwear for centuries for the people throughout the Ottoman Empire, and they even found their way to Hollywood in movies such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Troy.
Known to keep feet cool in summer and warm in winter for their breezy nature that stops foul smells and fungus. The naturally comfortable shoe also prevents other common foot issues such as blisters and corns, making this the perfect shoe for anyone seeking a more comfortable and healthy fit. Another advantage is that the foot becomes orthopedic in a short time.
Pricing:
- 149 for shoes
- 119 for mules
- 195 for hats
Contact Info:
- Email: info@antheplife.com
- Website: https://www.antheplife.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antheplife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinantheplife/
Image Credits
Courtney Kenefick. @gypsyskyphotohouse.com
