Our story

Locklear is my mother’s maiden name, and it’s rooted in the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. My dad’s last name, Thomas, hails from Scotland. I’ve always joked that being both Scottish and Native American makes for quite the mix. To me, the Scots are like the “natives” of the UK, always rebelling against colonialism, while rocking skirts, same as the natives did. It’s a funny thought, but I really love what it represents: two cultures, separated by an ocean, fighting similar battles, holding onto that rebellious spirit. There’s something about that shared tenacity and maybe a bit of that cheeky, rascally nature, that speaks to me.

​

Before COVID, I decided to move to Mexico while working remotely for a big law firm. I ended up getting fired for it, which, looking back, was the best thing to ever happen to me. I spent about a year traveling across the country, staying in some super remote places. It was an experience that felt nostalgic, like it took me back to simpler times, reminding me of how my grandparents lived and what they valued. I saw so many parallels between their way of life and Mexican culture, and it inspired me to bring some of that slow, intentional energy back to our crazy, fast-paced world.

​

One of the things that really struck me was the huarache style. It’s not just about the shoes, they’re a symbol of simplicity, of not needing excess, and working with nature instead of against it. The leather is real, the materials natural, not synthetic. Huaraches show us that we don’t have to chase after every fleeting trend, or create waste with things that don’t last. What’s even more special is that the process of making these shoes brings communities together, from the cattle farms where the leather is sourced to the generations-old tradition of hand-weaving the sandals. It’s a beautiful example of how much we all rely on each other.

​

After some searching, I came across a family who was willing to teach me the craft of huarache weaving. We didn’t speak the same language, but we made it work with Google Translate and a few Tecates to bridge the gap. I shared my idea of using a different kind of rubber to create boots, and they were on board to help me bring it to life. Over time, we built trust and decided to see where this journey would take us. We've been working together ever since.

​

When I think about my heritage and this journey, it feels like everything is coming full circle, the spirit of my Scottish and Lumbee roots, the lessons I’ve learned from the Mexican culture, and the rebellious, community-driven spirit that unites them all.