How does “Buy a pair, Plant a tree” work?

We partner with Tree-nation, a remarkable non-profit organization, to plant a tree on your behalf. Brace yourself for a profound ripple effect, as your purchase contributes to the promotion of environmental sustainability and leaves a lasting imprint on our planet.

But how does this wondrous process work, you might wonder? Allow us to unveil the magic. With meticulous consideration, we identify the most deserving corners of the world where trees are needed most. Each tree we plant is carefully selected to be native to its specific location, ensuring harmonious integration into the local ecosystem.

As you delve into the wonders of this initiative, let us share a startling realization. Since you embarked on reading this topic, approximately 56,000 trees have tragically fallen victim to deforestation worldwide. It is within this disheartening reality that the power of a single tree's impact truly comes to light. Remember the words of the illustrious poet Rumi, who proclaimed, "You are not just the drop in the ocean. You are the mighty ocean in the drop." With every tree planted, we collectively reshape the narrative, making a significant difference through seemingly small steps.

So, dear adventurer, seize this extraordinary opportunity to leave an indelible mark on our planet. Together, let us nurture a flourishing world, one pair of Akanas and one planted tree at a time.

What other responsible business choices do you make? 

At Akanas, we take pride in our small-batch production approach, which ensures that our atelier is far from being an energy-draining black hole or a source of industrial waste. We believe in conscious consumption, so we kindly ask you to only purchase a pair of Akanas if you genuinely need them. If your shoe collection already boasts beautiful and comfortable options, we encourage you to give them the love they deserve before considering a new addition.

Moreover, we strive to minimize our carbon footprint in every way possible. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging practices. All of our packaging materials are carefully selected to be recycled and biodegradable, allowing us to reduce waste and make a positive environmental impact. Even our business cards have an eco-conscious twist, as they are crafted from recycled paper, further promoting resource conservation.

In line with our dedication to sustainability, Akanas are packaged in a drawstring shopping bag made from cotton or jute. By saying "no" to plastic at our store, we prioritize environmentally friendly alternatives that align with our values.

Together, these efforts exemplify our holistic approach toward reducing environmental impact and promoting a greener future. We believe that every small step counts, and by making conscious choices at every stage, we contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.

Yup, I want a pair of Akanas what do I do?

Congratulations!!! You’ve made a wise and ethical fashion decision, now you’re ready to order. 

You have several choices:

1) Consult our size guide, choose your colour and size, type letters and numbers in the super safe little boxes, do a happy dance, and hit the “confirm” button. 

2) If you are located in Melbourne visit us at our South Melbourne Market Stall or shoot your humble shoe seller an email (serenay@akana.com.au) and she will happily meet you in a convenient location, buy you a coffee and get you fitted.

3) If you are in Australia, head over to one of our friendly stockists and get fitted in the boutique among all the other pretty stuff. 

What does Akana mean?

Ak Ana – “White Mother or Pure Mother” – is a shamanic Turkic sea goddess. She is depicted as a mermaid with an ethereal body. On her head is an intricate crown of antlers which signifies strength.

According to the myth, in the beginning, there was nothing but the sea. Then one day, Ak Ana raised her holy self out of the water and suggested to Ulgen (the all-powerful God living in the clouds – Zeus anyone?) that it was high time he created life and land. Ulgen noted dutifully and created life on earth as we know it.

There’s wisdom in her caveat to Ulgen when she warns him about the power of the spoken word:

“As Creator learn this sacred word:
Always say ‘I made it and it happened’.
Do not utter any other word.
When creating never say ‘I tried but failed”
 

Ak Ana inspires us on a daily basis with the power of belief, positive action, and tapping into the creative force within.

May her blessing be on our shoes, the makers, and the wearers.

What does your logo signify?

Our logo is based on a kilim pattern which is the symbol for the medicinal herb burdock (Arctium Lappa). This herb is associated with fertility and the preservation of life in Turkish folklore. In Western herbal medicine, burdock is known to “restore the primal blueprint of health”(Matthew Wood).

Akanas are about getting back to basics, i.e. wearing well-made shoes based on a 600-year-old tradition. They are about reducing waste and finding wellness in simplicity. The symbol of the burdock captures these brand values and acts as a daily reminder for making responsible business choices.

Why are Akanas simply named instead of having fancy names like “Boticelli pink” and “Desert pea red”? 

Because we know you’re busy and your brain is overloaded with unnecessary information every day. Because we are almost certain you will never say “Look at my pair of Boticelli pink Akanas” Instead you will simply refer to them as your “pink Akanas”. 

Having said that we try to be descriptive and convey the colour as correctly as we can.  So if there’s a descriptor in front of the colour such as Lush Meadow Green* that is there purely for the sake of clarity

(*) This is actually a Pantone colour, look it up here.  

Now that we are onto the subject of colour, let us put a caveat here about computer screens and photography and how hard it is to represent colour as it appears to the naked eye.    

I didn’t find the colour I daydream about on your website, do you have any other colours available? 

At Akanas, we are dedicated to bringing your color dreams to life with our made-to-order approach. We understand that personal style is all about individuality, and that's why we offer you the freedom to choose from a stunning array of over 30 different colors. With this unique opportunity, you can unleash your creativity and design your very own pair of Akanas, tailoring the colors to your preferences for the front, back, and piping.

To ensure you have a truly personalized experience, we extend an invitation to visit our store in the vibrant South Melbourne Market. Alternatively, we would be delighted to meet with you over a relaxing cup of tea, where we can present you with the actual leather swatches. This tactile experience allows you to see and feel the materials firsthand, ensuring that your design choices perfectly align with your vision.

Please keep in mind that this custom-made process results in a truly one-of-a-kind pair of Akanas. As such, we kindly remind you that we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges for these unique creations. We want to ensure that you receive a product that is crafted specifically for you and reflects your personal style in every detail.

So, immerse yourself in the world of bespoke footwear and let your imagination soar as you design your own pair of Akanas. Unleash your inner artist and walk confidently in a pair of shoes that truly embody your individuality.