"I'm Brown and I'm from Bradford..."

Conversations with Changemakers….Founders experience many challenges - meet Usman Manzoor from ?APLAIT footwear.

My interview sessions, focus on an individual who is known to me, has a connection to retail / commerce and whom I personally admire.? In September I am delighted to shine the spotlight on Usman Manzoor – Founder of ?APLAIT Shoes.

?I was fortunate to meet Usman Manzoor via EVE Angel Investors (A female led investment consortium) .? ?

Usman was born in Walthamstow, East London.? Usman’s family moved to Bradford when he was aged 5.? Usman has made Bradford his long term home, attending school, University and making this region his long term home.

Usman’s Father already had the “Entrepreneurs bug” having launched and managed? a restaurant and Butchers.? Usman’s Mother was a Tailor, working from home, often making apparel product for factories that delivered to retailers such as Marks & Spencer.?

Usman has always worked full time, (never easy!!) whilst launching and managing his business? - ?APLAIT

Usman’s career has focused on promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship? amongst young and local people and assisting individuals to enter the workplace.?? ???????????

Some years ago, Usman started a side hustle as a Footwear Agent and started to supply Monsoon.? This led to Usman’s love for authentic product and the creation of his own brand – ?APLAIT (pronounced SAPLAI).? ?APLAIT is a Footwear brand, this is a luxury, traditional handcrafted sandal, made in North - West Pakistan, and worn extensively in Asia.? ?APLAIT is now seeking investment of ￡250,000 to develop globally.?

Usman launched ?APLAIT in 2018 and has sold over 1500 pairs to date.? The sandal is award winning, and has featured in publications such as Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and Elle.? Sold via e commerce and wholesale channels, the brand has sold in Europe, The Middle East, Hong Kong and Japan ????????

What is your inspiration?

“Bringing authenticity to this product.? Many brands have included the Peshwari sandal in their collections, however the product is not made authentically, from the region that it originates from.? I wanted to create this product using local craftsmanship and I believe Caplait can sit proudly next to international brands”.?? ??

Who has been important to you in your career?

My Mother!? Her emotional and financial guidance has inspired me to preserve this craft and to ensure that local people in North - West Pakistan are rewarded and recognised for their efforts.? My Mother is my biggest critic and biggest support”.? ?

Can you pinpoint the most significant steps in your career?

“I don’t have any fashion experience, however my full time jobs, where I encourage enterprise, entrepreneurialism and helping individuals to secure work, has given me resilience and confidence.? This helped me initially as a Footwear Agent, selling footwear to Monsoon and has given me the confidence to learn about design and production.? This alongside my passion has helped me to network with the Investment Community, Buyers and to show and sell at Trade Shows.??????

Who do you admire and why?

“I am constantly inspired by the many successful Asian entrepreneurs within the UK, many of whom I have been lucky enough to observe and experience their businesses grow from humble beginnings. From Manchester's Archies Brothers who turned a burger business into a multi-million pound enterprise, Asghar Ali founder of MyLahore - not only is his story an inspiring example of how first generation immigrants in Bradford achieved such success, but also speaks volumes on the power of hard work and determination; or the 3 brothers behind Crep product, who have transformed the shoe care industry into having the world's largest premium shoe care brand and own the 2nd fastest growing independent company in the UK - these are all remarkable examples that continue to motivate me and prove that anything is possible when you believe in yourself”.

What advice would you offer to a Founder?

“Don’t overthink, don’t wait for perfection.? Take that leap of faith and remember no business grows in an upward trajectory, there are highs and lows and iterations.? Be persistent and don’t give up!”

Share a Secret.

I design the shoes myself!

Harveen Gill

Joint MD, HGA Group

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