Interview: From Dream to Reality – How iné Is Shaping the Future of Ethical Sneakers. The Vision, Challenges, and Commitment of a Young Entrepreneur in 2025.
"Be passionate, persistent, and surround yourself with the right people. Building a responsible brand is more complex, but it's also more rewarding. And above all: stay true to your vision. Your values will be your strength," says Audrey Delanoë, founder of the urban and sustainable sneaker brand, iné. After just one year in business, this young brand is already making waves. This second part of the interview highlights the importance of staying true to your vision. A commitment worth holding onto—no matter what!
About the Brand and Its Vision
Can you tell us about your company's mission and vision?
At iné, our mission is simple: to prove that fashion can be beautiful, responsible, and bold. Our vision is one of uncompromising fashion—respecting the planet, people, and animals, without sacrificing style or creativity.
What inspired you to create a vegan and eco-friendly sneaker brand?
The need to do things differently. I grew up believing that adults are responsible for the world of tomorrow. So when I became one, I looked for ways to take part in that change. I’ve always loved fashion—and couldn’t imagine giving it up—so creating an ethical brand felt natural. Launching my own sneaker brand was even more exciting: a symbolic, everyday object I wanted to reinvent in my own way.
What have been the main challenges in building a brand committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility?
Honestly, everything is a challenge! Finding the right designer, the right factory, sourcing responsible materials, creating a product that ticks all the boxes (style, comfort, durability), securing funding, building awareness, making sales… Every step requires tough decisions—but that’s what makes the journey so rich.
How do you define eco-responsibility in fashion, and how do you apply it to your products?
To me, it's common sense. Eco-responsibility means producing less and producing better, while being aware of the impact of every decision. At iné, we use low-impact materials, manufacture in Europe, optimize production volumes to avoid waste, and design timeless models that don’t follow fast-fashion trends.
On Production and Sustainability
How do you choose materials to ensure your sneakers are both vegan and durable?
We only select vegan materials made from recycled or bio-based sources like corn or recycled plastic bottles. Every component is chosen based on sustainability, environmental impact, performance, and comfort.
Can you tell us more about your manufacturing process, particularly around carbon footprint and waste reduction?
Our sneakers are made in northern Portugal in a family-run workshop powered entirely by renewable energy. All our materials are sourced from within Europe, reducing transport emissions. We also optimize cutting techniques to reduce material waste and focus on the recyclability of each component.
What steps are you taking to reduce environmental impact across your product lifecycle?
We work on several fronts: designing durable products, avoiding overproduction, partnering with certified local suppliers, and eventually launching a take-back program to give worn sneakers a second life.
How do your vegan sneakers compare to traditional ones in terms of durability and performance?
They hold up just as well! Thanks to material innovations, our sneakers offer excellent comfort, breathability, and durability. We're proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand—with style and ethics included.
Social and Ethical Commitment
How do you ensure your partners and suppliers align with your ethical and environmental standards?
All our partners are certified (GRS, PETA-approved, ISO 14001, etc.). We choose them for their transparency and commitment, and we visit the factories regularly.
Does your brand support any social initiatives, such as community programs or workers' rights advocacy?
Yes. We work only with workshops that respect workers' rights, and we’re committed to supporting social and solidarity-based projects—something we’re looking to expand even more in the future.
Impact and Future
What has been your brand's impact on the sneaker and fashion industry?
We offer a desirable alternative in an industry still dominated by less ethical giants. iné proves that an independent brand can create products that are responsible, beautiful, and high-quality. Our presence in certain media and conscious concept stores shows there’s a strong demand for this kind of offering.
Where do you see your business in five years in terms of innovation and sustainable growth?
We hope to expand our product range while staying true to our values. We aim to continue innovating with materials, launch new models, open our own boutique, and perhaps even collaborate with artists or causes we care about.
What would you say to someone still hesitating to go vegan or choose more eco-conscious products?
Every choice matters. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about moving forward step by step. Choosing a pair of vegan, sustainably designed sneakers means supporting a fairer fashion industry and proving that change is possible. And you’ll look good doing it!
Personal Vision & Advice
As the founder, how do you balance business goals with your environmental values?
It’s a constant balancing act. But I believe you can succeed without compromising your values. The key is staying aligned, being transparent, and taking the time to build something solid—instead of chasing fast growth at any cost.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to build an ethical and sustainable business?
Be passionate, persistent, and well-surrounded. Building a responsible brand is harder—but it’s also more rewarding. And most importantly: stay true to your vision. Your values will be your strength.
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