The unique history of Gandys begins with a trip halfway around the world, when the Forkan family sold everything they owned to explore and volunteer around the world together. On Boxing Day 2004, Rob and Paul’s lives were forever changed when they tragically lost their parents in the devastating Tsunami that hit Sri Lanka.
Rob and Paul’s parents raised them to believe they should do more in life than just exist, and they instilled in them a keen interest in travelling and adventure. This awakened a burning desire to create something unique in honour of their adventurous parents, and so Gandys was born. The brand's mission was to stop people passively letting life go by when they could be doing more.
Taking inspiration from their philanthropist parents, who had given up their jobs in the fashion industry to volunteer for humanitarian projects, the pair designed flip flops made from natural materials with a woven rope style.
For speaking events you will hear how Rob and Paul founded Gandys and designed their unique flip flops in order to support their Orphans for Orphans foundation.
Not only do Rob and Paul donate 10 per cent of their profits to helping underprivileged children that are affected by the Tsunami by building children’s homes across the world, they also have 3 stores in central London and multiple pop ups throughout the year. They describe their store as ‘a place for travellers alike to come together and share experiences and stories and find the perfect pieces to accompany them on their next adventure.’
For corporate events their unique story will keep your audience spellbound.
“Rob and Paul's story was very moving and I was humbled by their ability to turn a personal tragedy into something so positive.”
Sir Richard Branson
“We absolutely loved having Rob and Paul come into the Kuoni office to talk to our staff, we’ve been lucky to have them in twice now most recently to present to all of our retail managers from throughout the UK. Their story is so inspirational, from their childhood when travel formed a big part of their education through to setting up Gandys and hearing more about setting up and growing their business. The partnership we’ve set up together centres on our shared love of Sri Lanka, the places and the people, and it’s been brilliant working together.”
Rachel O’Reilly -Head of Communications at Kuoni