we turn pollution into artwork
Ocean Sole, a Kenyan-based nonprofit, is a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to transforming discarded flip-flops into vibrant sculptures, providing employment, education, and an outlet for artistic expression for local communities, while raising awareness about conservation and actively protecting coastlines through art and weekly beach cleans.
OUR SOLE MISSION IS CLEAR
.
protect our planet &
provide for our people
Ocean Sole is a dynamic social enterprise based in Kenya, dedicated to transforming discarded flip-flops from the country's waterways and coastline into colorful sculptures and products.
Through our people-first approach, we empower local communities by offering employment, education, and avenues for artistic expression. Committed to positive impact and eco-advocacy, we raise awareness about conservation, recycle 10,000 flip-flops weekly, and actively protect the coastline through art and beach cleans.
Our mission extends to empowering women-led groups and ensuring essential benefits for our employees and their families. Together, we strive to make a lasting and meaningful impact on marine pollution and sustainability, turning environmental challenges into opportunities for creative solutions.
Join us in our mission with #LetsDoGoodTogether.
MISSION &
HISTORY.
In 1999, the seeds of Ocean Sole were planted on Kiwayu Island, Kenya, where the colorful flip-flops washing ashore sparked an idea that grew into a global movement. Our founder was inspired by local women who crafted beads from these discarded flip-flops, turning marine debris into beautiful, sellable art. This humble beginning set the stage for a transformative journey.
​
By 2006, what began as a community project evolved into a flourishing business—the Flip Flop Recycling Company. A small workshop in Karen, Kenya became the creative hub for 10 artisans, supported by collectors who cleaned beaches and waterways, turning pollution into profit.
​
The period from 2010 to 2013 marked a significant evolution in our craft. Our first Safari & Ocean Collection was born, capturing the imagination of a global audience. This era also saw strategic investments that helped scale our operations, setting a foundation for the next phase of growth.
​
In 2014, we rebranded as Ocean Sole and gained international recognition at the Smithsonian Folk Festival. The following years were a whirlwind of creativity and challenges. Masterpieces travelled from our workshop to Spain and the UN, while partnerships expanded our reach across continents. However, growth was not without its hurdles—shareholder disagreements and managerial shifts in 2016 nearly brought us to the brink of bankruptcy.
​
2017 was a turning point under new leadership. Erin Smith stepped in, resolved past liabilities, and reimagined Ocean Sole as a social enterprise focused on global impact. Despite tough times that saw our team working out of Erin's house, we persevered, delivering large orders and sustaining our mission.
​
By 2018, the focus shifted towards our team's well-being. We introduced hot meals, profit-sharing, bonuses, and health benefits, strengthening our foundation. The viral success of “I am a Flip Flop Artist” in 2018 brought unprecedented attention, furthering our message of conservation and creativity.
​
The years that followed were marked by global installations and exhibitions, from Canada to Singapore. Our advocacy for ocean conservation gained momentum, and in 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic, we launched a nonprofit in the USA, ensuring continued support for our Kenyan artisans. In 2021 we were even on the Paris Fashion runway with the Chloe collaboration and the gorgeous Lou flip flop.
​
Recent years have seen us expand further into showcasing our craft on the Paris runway with the Chloe “Lou” flip flop, increasing our online presence, and strengthening our storytelling globally. Our commitment to community and conservation deepened in 2023, with initiatives like Ocean Mamaz and TurtleSafe BOFA beach, highlighting our dedication to protecting marine life.
​
In 2024, we held our first fundraising event and are working with clients in Brazil, USA, Holland, Japan, Spain, Australia and across Africa to showcase our art advocating for conservation.
​
Today, Ocean Sole stands as a vibrant testament to the power of transformation—from waste to art, from adversity to opportunity. We continue to innovate, inspire, and advocate for a healthier planet, proving that every discarded flip-flop has a story worth telling.
Join us as we sculpt a better future, one flip-flop at a time.
2006
OUR HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1999
Business Evolution
Transitioning from a grassroots project to a formal enterprise, the Flip Flop Recycling Company was established. A workshop in Karen, Kenya, became the heart of operations, employing ten artisans committed to transforming beach refuse into valuable art. This strategic move not only generated income for local communities but also underscored the company's commitment to cleaning Kenya's waterways.
Foundation and Vision
From the innovative spirit of Kiwayu Island's women, inspiring the creation of a project that transcended traditional craftsmanship. By empowering these ladies to repurpose ocean waste into beautiful beads and products, the seeds of change were planted, marking the inception of a movement dedicated to both environmental sustainability and community upliftment.
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Our team and community are the heart and sole behind everything we do. Without their dedication and passion for our purpose, we would never be able to make the impact that we do.
Coastal Manager - Kilifi, Kenya
Thomas Sagimo
I joined Ocean Sole one and a half years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is managing and coordinating coastal activities that align with our mission and vision, and the fun part about it is working with local communities, especially mobilising communities towards conserving our marine environment.
Chief of Staff & Head of Operations
Florence Mueni
I joined Ocean Sole 1 year ago. My role in Ocean Sole is The Chief of Staff & Head of Operations and my favorite part of my working here is witnessing the tangible impact of our work on both the environment and the communities we serve, knowing that our efforts contribute to preserving this precious ecosystem for future generations.
Head of Finance and Operations
George Maluni
When money realises It’s in good hands, it wants to stay and multiply in those hands. I joined the team in 2016 when we had just relocated to a new location in Karen. “I love the team spirit at Ocean Sole; when we work together, we achieve a lot.” Give George a plate of Chicken stew with rice, and he’ll be thrilled. In his abundance of leisure, he loves watching football.
Carver
Bryant Muhanji
Bryants story is quite inspiring, he was a former trash collector before joining Ocean Sole. Today, after 14 years with us, he’s one of our top skilled carvers. “I joined Ocean Sole at the lowest point of my life; I was young and kept making reckless decisions about my life. When I got introduced to Ocean Sole, my life improved. I became responsible and serious about my life thanks to Ocean Sole.”
Coastal Assistant and Leader of Ocean Mamaz
Sally Mugovelo
I joined Ocean Sole three years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is coordinating beach cleans with Ocean Mamaz, my favourite part of working here is the positive work environment with the team members.
Carver
Raphael Musau
I joined Ocean Sole 11 years ago, my role at Ocean Sole is carving and my favourite part of my working here is the opportunity to create art from recycled flip-flops, contributing to both environmental conservation and creative expression.
Carver
Caroline Obonyo
I joined Ocean Sole 18 years ago, and my favourite part of working here is contributing to something meaningful. Being part of this organisation allows me to help address Kenya's environmental pollution problem.
Product Specialist
Lilian Muendo
I joined Ocean Sole 7 years ago. Over the years my position at Ocean Sole has grown to a Product Specialist, where I work closely with our USA office to manage stock and our production team to oversee new product development. My favorite part of working here is seeing flip flop waste come back to life.
Carver
Francis Mutua
I joined Ocean Sole 13 years ago. My role in Ocean Sole is carving and my favourite part of my working here is being part of a community of people who are doing something great to impact the world.
Production Manager
Jonathan Lenato
I joined Ocean Sole in 2006, 17 years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is Production Manager, where I oversee our hardworking team of carvers. My favourite part of working here is working on Bespoke pieces from start to finish, I take great pride in it especially knowing it's from ocean trash.
Carver
Stephen Kameti
I joined Ocean Sole 12 years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is carving our Ocean Sole sculptures and my favourite part of my working here is being able to work with such a talented team of carvers.
Shop Executive
Freddie Ngure
I joined Ocean sole 2 years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is Shop Executive, I manage the Karen Village gift shop, local school visits and workshop tours. My favourite part of working here is sharing our story to everyone.
Head of Sale
Joe Mwakiremba
I joined Ocean Sole 10 years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is Head of Sales and my favourite part of working here is being able to share the amazing work we are doing with people around the world. Turning ocean-bound plastics into amazing creations. We recycle 1 tonne every week which if not collected would wreak havoc on our marine life.
Human Resource Manager
Caroline Kalima
I joined Ocean Sole in March of 2019, 5 years ago. Working at Ocean Sole has helped me use my background in Human Resource Management to help in the goal of cleaning the environment by recycling flip flops. To date I enjoy and I’m amazed by how the really filthy flip flops are transformed into really beautiful art.
Africa Sales
Grace Wangari
I joined Ocean Sole three years ago. My role at Ocean Sole is lead generation and prospecting and my favourite part of my working here The opportunity to build relationships with clients and help them find solutions that truly meet their needs is incredibly rewarding for me.
Africa Sales