Once by sunny spring day, sitting at the nearby tables at Pan Quotidien at Kamergersky pereulok, we've met and had a chat with Eik Ottosen (Denmark), Rubber Duck brand founder and owner, who came to Moscow by invitation of FIF Group, official distributor of trademark in Russia and CIS countries.
Story of Eik' success was very exciting and inspiring – and probably, it may help you to believe in your own success, which surely comes to anyone talented and willing to work hard for the own goal.
Rubber Duck history started five years ago, in 2005, when Eik decided to create and produce ideal winter footwear – stylish but comfortable.
SnowJoggers – that was the name of Eik's creature, rapidly found their buyers– 600 of pairs, in production of which Eik put all his money, were sold in three days! Now this trademark is very popular and well-known, and among its admirers you can find even Hollywood celebrities, as e.g. Lindsay Lohan, Katrine Heigl и Paris Hilton.
Eik Ottosen - Rubber Duck brand founder and owner, specially for FashionEducation.ru
FashionEducation.ru: Eik, could you please tell about history of your trademark. Why you decide to start this project? How long time did it take from the idea to production? What are the future plans for development?
Eik Ottosen: It's the notorious ice-winter of 2005. I was sitting by the fireplace; looking through an old photo album. I stopped at a photo of my husky Nuki and myself as a kid, playing in the snow. Reminiscing childhood memories, I started to picture the ideal winter boot - lightweight, warm and fun.
I wanted people to smile and shoes to be as comfortable as funny. It took me no long to put my idea into practice, the main thing is to do everything at once. As for my plans we want to design, produce and sell fashionable and trendy shoes of a high quality to consumers as we do. Also we keep dealing with different charity projects, help other people, make this world a little bit better, and give people our smiles.
FashionEducation.ru: Your education and previous background - how it helps you in your activity?
Eik Ottosen: Education and background are important. I was a young business student at the University of Denmark and was working as the distributor. But the main thing is your life philosophy and activity.
FashionEducation.ru: Starting your own business – what are the main difficulties? Which advice you can give to young designers willing to start their own business in fashion sector?
Eik Ottosen:When one sets up business of his own he may face some difficulties. Young designers should find concept of the project and start putting their idea into practice. I advise not to give up and get the job done.
FashionEducation.ru: You are for the first time in Russia? What are your impressions of Russian fashion market? Do you plan to come to Russia more often?
Eik Ottosen: I'm in Russia for the second time. First I've been in Saint Petersburg with charity project. I'm for the first time in Moscow. There are a lot of stylish guys especially girls! Russian fashion market has great future. I hope to come to Russia! Again and again!
We'd like to thank FIF Group PR department for the kind assistance in the interview organization.
FIF Group is the official distributor of Rubber Duck in Russia and CIS countries.
Web-site of the company: www.fifgroup.ru
