FELLOW SPOTLIGHT: KARINA GARZA
Karina’s work revolutionizes the children’s footwear industry towards sustainability and circular economy, while challenging and overcoming biases in the venture capital space. With determination and strength, Karina has been able to impact the footwear industry with the startup Rigo.
I set my own path and approach challenges as an equal. By viewing everyone as my equal, I can face challenges head-on without feeling disadvantaged.
Tell us about your venture/work.
Rigo is a project aimed at revolutionizing the children’s footwear industry towards sustainability and circular economy, inspired by my deep connection to this industry since childhood. Our vision is to educate consumers and encourage them to make eco-conscious choices, thereby reducing carbon footprints. Our mission is to develop a circular business model in the footwear through the use of biomaterials. Our start-up offers 100% compostable, durable, and all-weather footwear that can expand up to 3 sizes for children. We are working towards achieving responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and improved climate action (SDG 13) through our solution.
How did you decide to tackle this particular issue?
The footwear industry today produces significant CO2 emissions and non-degradable waste. 95% of all footwear ends up in landfills. Children’s footwear is a significant contributor given the frequent purchase of footwear (up to 5 pairs of shoes) by parents each year.
What I enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur is the ability to take charge and get deeply involved in projects, driving innovation and bringing ideas to life.
How did you find out you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?
I’m passionate about creation. I have a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, excelling in crafting presentations and business development. Currently, I’m pursuing an MS in Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design. I also work as a Research Assistant at the Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab (ELab), where I focus on driving innovation and impact through research, especially in artificial intelligence and its biases towards female founders in venture capital funding. My previous experience includes launching OT’ILE, a project that taught me valuable lessons in manufacturing, supply chain management, and negotiation.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What are the main challenges?
What I enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur is the ability to take charge and get deeply involved in projects, driving innovation and bringing ideas to life. I love being a boss, as it allows me to shape the vision and direction of a project, making meaningful contributions to both the team and the community we aim to serve. The main challenges include navigating the complexities of manufacturing and supply chain management, especially when striving for sustainability and circular economy practices. Additionally, securing funding and overcoming biases in venture capital, particularly towards female founders, can be difficult. Despite these hurdles, the opportunity to create impactful and sustainable solutions, like my current project Rigo, makes the journey incredibly rewarding.
How do you navigate the space of being a founder and also being a POC/woman/non-binary person?
Navigating the space as a female founder involves maintaining a mindset of equality and self-determination. I don’t believe I have any disadvantage being a woman. I set my own path and approach challenges as an equal. By viewing everyone as my equal, I can face challenges head-on without feeling disadvantaged. If I succeed, it demonstrates that I wasn’t at a disadvantage after all. This perspective empowers me to focus on my strengths, innovate, and make a meaningful impact through my ventures.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time and relationships to prepare for this kind of career?
It’s crucial to stay determined, resilient, and adaptable while understanding the importance of cash flows. Determination keeps you focused on your mission despite setbacks, and resilience helps you bounce back from failures. Adaptability allows you to pivot in response to changing circumstances, ensuring you remain relevant in the market. A thorough understanding of cash flows is essential for maintaining financial health, enabling you to manage and forecast your finances effectively. Leverage relationships by building a strong network of mentors, peers, and industry contacts who can provide support and opportunities for collaboration. Prioritize continuous learning to enhance your entrepreneurial skills and stay updated on industry trends. Finally, manage your time wisely by prioritizing tasks that align with your strategic goals and delegating where possible.