Companies

New Generation: meet Inês Pinho Mota from Leal & Cª

Sep 9, 2024 Portugal

With a degree in Fashion Design, Inês is the second generation at the helm of Leal & Cª, which has just launched the MITIK brand. The goal is to reach new markets

Was it a natural choice to work at Leal & Cª?

To work at Leal & Companhia was to continue the work and efforts of my family. The opportunity arose, and I became part of this team.

How did the idea for launching MITIK come about?

The idea of launching MITIK had been a dream for several years. The knowledge that we have the ability to produce high quality footwear in response to market demand has led us to take the step of creating a brand of our own.

We are currently trying to understand which models are more in demand and which typology we want to follow, and then we want to move on to direct sales via an online store.

How would you define the brand, and how does it stand out in the market?

As I mentioned, we are still working on positioning MITIK in the market. Still, it will be characterised by a preference for high-quality materials, comfort and, of course, design.

What have been the biggest challenges so far?

So far, we have faced several challenges: defining the market segment, being both consistent and realistic in our choices and, especially, deciding the first steps to “birth” a brand.

What advice would you give to a young person just starting out in the industry?

The footwear industry is a school for life. We have to deal with many people, challenges and unforeseen situations. It gives us great versatility and makes us more committed. With this in mind, anyone who decides to enter the industry must be open to new daily challenges.

Image Credits: apiccaps.pt

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