LANSDALE— When junior year is in full swing, there’s rarely any time between school and extra-curricular activities for a part time job. However that’s not the case for NPHS junior Olivia Farina. While juggling a schedule of full honors classes and Marching Knights, Olivia still finds time to turn her passion for art into a business: hand-painted TOMS shoes.
An aspiring graphic designer, Olivia spends her free time drawing, painting, and taking photographs. “I’ve been in love with art for as long as I can remember,” Olivia said. “I love how I can express myself through my drawings and photographs.”
Putting her artistic skills to work, she began a humble project to design a birthday present for her best friend, Danielle Bereschak, also a NPHS junior.
“I never knew what to get her for a present and she would always ask me to come up with a design for her TOMS” said Olivia. “I figured I would give it a shot. I thought it would make a unique birthday gift.”
After numerous days of designing and painting, Olivia’s birthday gift idea proved to be a shining success; soon enough, she began receiving multiple requests to paint other people’s TOMS. Thus, Olivia’s shoe painting business was born.
Anything you’ve ever dreamed of having on a pair of shoes, Olivia can paint it. All you need is a pair of TOMS and $10 – $30, depending on what you want painted on your shoes. The price is well worth it for a pair of comfy, customized shoes. Anyone interested in a pair or has any questions can get in touch with Olivia through her email: [email protected].
Not only are you acquiring a unique pair of shoes that you can wear anywhere, you’re also helping impoverished children. The TOMS foundation prides themselves on their promise to help children around the world: with every pair purchased, they give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.
With new pairs of shoes being sent to over 40 countries in the world, the TOMS foundation provides hope for the wellbeing and future of disadvantaged children. The durable shoes they donate help prevent injuries and disease, allowing the children to become stronger and healthier. As a result, children who are healthier result in more academic success, therefore improving the future of their entire community.
To make an impact on the lives of children in need, you can visit www.toms.com to order a pair of TOMS. Then, when you receive your TOMS, contact Olivia who can give you a customized look that you’ll love forever. It’s a win-win situation: cute shoes for you and practical shoes for children in need.
