A Club for Zen Running Club— the first vegan sneakers made from plants! By Deb Bianco, CEO/President of The Cornucopia Foundation
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hen Zen Running Club first reached out to me in November 2021 with a request to become part of the Malibu Farmers Market, which I have organized over the past 24 years, I didn’t know if they would be a good fit since the market is all about the freshest produce. However, I was instantly intrigued when I learned that this new brand from Europe is making the first plant-based, vegan sneakers. What I learned took my breath away, because our motto has always been: The future of our planet is not by chance, but by choice. That’s why this partnership is the perfect fit. Please let me introduce one of the founders, Dominic Sinnott, who aims to revolutionize the sneaker industry for the better.
DEB: I was very excited when you requested to soft launch your new brand at the Malibu Farmers Market last year. Please tell me why you thought this was a good idea. DOMINIC: We were equally excited at the opportunity to present a running shoe in such a unique setting as the Malibu Farmers Market. All our products, including our ZR 01 shoes are plant based. We’d heard from our friends in the canyon about this amazing market— with the best range of fresh organic produce, where you’d always bump into neighbors and friends—a real Malibu institution. The shared idea of good living, sustainability, and community resonated with us. We learned that getting a spot at the market was no easy feat, but thankfully your support has been amazing. So, as strange as it might seem, being among the green and organic produce at the Malibu Farmers Market was a perfect fit for our story!
DEB: What is the idea behind Zen Running Club? DOMINIC: Zen Running Club is a place to breathe, to enjoy running, to look good, and to rest easy about your impact on the planet. In Malibu, there are runners and non-runners, all with a healthy mindset that encompasses sustainability, with a real world view on innovation and style. They are first in on new ideas and express a real joy in being a part of “what’s coming next.” Within the running lifestyle, there is a positive, progressive approach that we wish to fulfill. DEB: How was this idea born? DOMINIC: COVID and lockdown offered many of us a space to think differently. I had the chance to sit down with friends from the running shoe industry to debate the question: “If the biggest brands were starting out today, what would they do differently?” The short answer—a focus on sustainability and community. 54 | M A L I B U T I M E S M A G A Z I N E | # M A L I B U T I M E S M A G
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