ON BEING FOUND
Every week, a few messages land in our inbox that we end up reading twice. Then reading out loud to whoever's nearest. Then, often, reading a third time just because.
We know what it takes to sit down and write to a brand you've never met in person. Most people don't. So when someone does, especially at this length, with this much detail, we don't take it lightly. These aren't quick five-star reviews. They're stories. And they deserve to be read as stories, not filed away.
Here are three that found their way to us recently.
Robin, from Aberdeen, found us through a Finnish crime show and a hunch. Here's what Robin wrote:
"Hey, VIBAe, I am pleased to have ordered another pair of shoes from you. I think I should tell you how I discovered you in the first place. I was watching a tv detective show called Helsinki Crimes and noticed that some of the cast were going about the dark cold and wet streets of Helsinki (like here at home in Aberdeen) wearing my favorite footwear, Chelsea boots. I asked myself, do they make them in Finland? A little research online led me to VIBAe and being a very satisfied customer.”
Hanouf spotted a stranger's shoes mid-football-match and couldn't let it go.
"I wanted to share a little story that made me smile today. I was at a coffee shop watching the Egypt vs. Argentina match, and when I got up to use the restroom, an older gentleman walked past me. The first thing I noticed was his shoes! I immediately recognized them as VIBAe. It was funny because I hardly ever see anyone wearing VIBAe in my city. As far as I know, it's just me and my mom! But I know the shoes so well that I recognized them instantly. I ended up following him just to ask about them.
I originally wanted to joke that we were 'matching,' but he was an older gentleman, so I figured he might not get it. Instead, I asked, 'Did you order them yourself?' He smiled and said, 'No, my daughter bought them for the whole family.' I told him, 'Your daughter has amazing taste! This is honestly the best pair of shoes I've ever owned.' Then I asked if he found them comfortable, and he said they're pretty much all he wears now. I told him my mom loves hers so much that she even wears them to the gym!
After we said goodbye, I realized how genuinely happy that little interaction made me. Seeing someone else wearing VIBAe felt oddly personal, as if it were my own brand. It was such a nice moment that I even missed part of the match!”
Arja has bought two pairs, then talked her sister into two more.
"I bought a second pair, and love them both, I have the brown woven Roma's and the chocolate brown Zuma's. I have difficult feet, and was struggling for so long, always pain. But I love to be on the move. Your shoes changed my life. My sister Taru also bought them, also 2 pairs, haha, we have a Finnish mother so we are proud. You did a great job. I was in London and saw the shoes also there in Dover Street Market! You made it if they present you in their collections. I am gonna buy for the winter the Helsinki boots too, love the galoshes which come with them, good for Dutch rainy days.”
We could keep going. There are more sitting in the inbox right now, waiting their turn. If you've ever thought about writing to us, this is your sign. We read every single one and love to share them.
