Zineb Britel, co-founder of Zyne, drew inspiration from Moroccan craftsmanship and culture during her time in the fashion world of Paris. Her vision for Zyne is to blend tradition with modern allure, championing Moroccan craftsmanship while empowering women artisans. 

What inspired you to create Zyne? We’d love to hear the journey of the brand’s conception and its underlying vision.

The spark for Zyne ignited during my stint in the bustling fashion realm of Paris. Amidst the glamor, I couldn't ignore how Moroccan craftsmanship was revered and served as muse for many. It hit me—our culture and heritage, bursting with creativity, often got overshadowed in terms of quality. That realization fueled a vision for Zyne, one that passionately draws champion Moroccan craftsmanship, transforming each slipper into a canvas that blends tradition with a modern, timeless allure and, above all, unmatched quality.

But it's more than just about shoes; it's about giving back to the incredible women of Morocco. They hold magic in their hands, and we wanted to empower them. Choosing to handcraft our shoes through these artisans was also a commitment to their independence.

Here at whind, we embrace native beauty rituals with a contemporary twist to bottle the ethereal glow of the Moroccan Golden Hour. By spotlighting tantalizing scents and ingredients native to Morocco, we marry the two, and we love how at Zyne you do the same, with your own twist. We’d love to hear more about how tradition meets modernity in your designs.

Zyne's journey is a melody, weaving the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture, seamlessly intertwining traditional craftsmanship with the rhythm of contemporary design. It started with a vision—to tell a story through handmade shoes, rooted in the soul of Moroccan heritage, celebrating the artistry, and empowering the extraordinary hands that breathe life into our dreams.

What was most important is to always take inspiration from the past from ancestral woven techniques and embroidery that had been transmitted from generations to generations. We want to preserve our heritage and show it to the world but always in a modern way so it really fits the rhetorical world we live in today. Modernize it in terms of quality and utility, for example, take the shape of the slipper but really create an elegant soulier so the women of today can wear them all over the world in their active lives.

We admire how you've described Zyne as a brand created by women, made by women, for women. Could you share your experience navigating the industry as two female founders? 

I had the chance and honor to envision a dream with my best friend and 7-year partner. Being two women in the predominantly masculine shoe industry, where manufacturers and makers are typically men, we aimed to challenge the status quo. Introducing women into the process was both a dream and a challenge. Starting our brand at the age of 25, we faced initial rejections from industry makers who didn't take our project seriously. It was a steep learning curve that taught us resilience.

In an industry where our peers advised against our partnership, fearing it could jeopardize our friendship, we became even more determined to prove them wrong. The decision to work with women artisans was ingrained in our vision from the beginning. We believed in the magic that women hold in their hands, along with their sensitivity, passion, and patience to transmit embroidery and ancestral weaving techniques across generations. Recognizing that many of these women artisans hadn't had the opportunity for formal education, we also wanted to contribute to their journey towards independence through their work with us.

Working with women has been truly inspiring. It's a testament to their strength and resilience. Our vision was to create handmade slippers crafted by artisanal women, envisioned by two Moroccan women, for women worldwide.

We’d love to hear any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who are looking to make their mark in the business world.

My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women looking to make their mark in the business world, is to fearlessly believe in their dreams and trust their instincts. Finding a mission that transcends mere sales and profit is crucial; having a purpose larger than oneself provides lasting motivation and fulfillment.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who elevate and support your journey is equally vital. Collaborating with those who share your vision not only fosters a positive environment but also contributes to the collective growth and success of your endeavors. Remember, your dreams are worth pursuing, and with determination, a meaningful mission, and a supportive network, you have the power to create a lasting impact in the business world.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future growth and impact of your brand?

As we look ahead, our aspirations for the future encompass a commitment to fostering positive impact within our community of women artisans. We aim to extend the reach of our Moroccan craftsmanship globally, showcasing the beauty of our heritage to audiences around the world. Our dedication remains steadfast in preserving our rich cultural legacy, inspiring more individuals to embrace and appreciate quality, sustainable, handmade accessories that carry a touch of our unique culture.

Additionally, we envision the continued growth and expansion of our community of loyal customers. Building strong connections with individuals who share our values is integral to the heart of our brand. We aspire to create a ripple effect, influencing more people to embrace not just our products, but the ethos of cultural appreciation and sustainability that defines Zyne.