Meet Lee Green of Liores Premium Cork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Green.

Lee, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first started this company about 7 months ago while staying in Lisbon Portugal.

Portugal is the number one producer of Cork in the world, so naturally, they have learned how to utilize the cork tree for various purposes. Many people including myself only thought about cork in relation with the cork screw that is used in wine. I had no idea that it was also being used for fashion, which is a trend that is very recent even in Portugal. I traveled all around Lisbon and no matter where I went I saw cork fashion everywhere, which for me was quite unique. Every time I would see cork products I would say, ” wow this is really unique, people need to know about this.” I researched cork and the fashion industry for about 2 months before I decided to finally take action.

With absolutely zero background in fashion and retail, I knew that I had to really dig deep if I wanted to really bring this idea to life. After researching for months, I decided it was time to start to build a business plan. I knew that I needed capital to get this project off the ground, and the only way I would get the capital was by presenting a solid business plan that conveyed my vision and understanding of the cork fashion world clearly. At the time I did not know exactly where I would find an investor to jump on board with this project, but I did not allow that to deter me. I have always been a firm believer that if you want what’s at the end of the journey all you have to do is start walking, and no matter where you are eventually you will get there. At the time I was working on my business plan I was doing volunteer work at a hostel in Sintra Portugal. While there I met a man whom seem interested in my ideas. He asked me to view my business plan as he suggested that he knew of people that would be possibly interested in funding my project.

Honestly, at the time I didn’t think much of it but I sent him my business plan and the very same day he called me saying that he himself wanted to fund my project the very same day. Naturally, I was very excited and expressed my gratitude in him believing in me and my idea. He really expressed his belief in my ability to succeed, which for me meant even more than my capital needs. From there I immediately started to get to work. I went through several testing phases to get the right products. I initially partnered with a designer in Italy by the name of Sabrina Fachetti, whom helped me to bring my ideas to life. I wanted to create a high fashion cork brand and Sabrina completely understood my vision. We worked for months developing the concepts and got samples made in Pakistan, which didn’t come out the way that I wanted them to. I then decided to work with manufacturers in Portugal whom already had designers and their own collection. I decided for the sake of the business it would be more cost effective to work with products that were already made by people who understand how to work with this material. I created relationships with multiple manufacturers and managed to develop a structure that was both beneficial for my business as well as their business. After creating the proper structure, I launched my website, which is constantly being updated.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I have had to make constant adjustments and lose a lot of money along the way just trying to get the right formula. My first major challenge was trying to develop the actual product line.

To do this, I had to go through a series of test phases which included me working with different designers and manufacturers. I was going for the high-end ethical look which meant that I could only use the highest grade of cork available. With me speaking very little Portuguese at the time this was very difficult as communication plays a big role in me being able to express my needs to the manufacturers. The second major challenge was acquiring my supplies at a cost that would leave room for reasonable profit margin that would allow for sustainable growth. This was exceptionally difficult as cork is not cheap to produce, The third challenge was finding a marketing solution that was effective in getting customers to my site. This aspect of any business is a key factor and requires a vast amount of planning and capital. I went through two different marketing agencies which ultimately all failed, which then led me to take control of my own marketing.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Liores Premium Cork – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company’s name is Liore’s Premium Cork. We partner with Portuguese manufacturers who produce accessory items such as handbags, backpakcs, jewelry, footwear, etc. I myself am a creative, I have many skills such as videography, photography, and the ability to analyze data and adjust my approach according to the demand of the market. Another skill which I have acquired over the years is my ability to maintain a balanced emotional state as it is always difficult when you are constantly meeting challenges in business. I would say that I am most proud of the fact that my company is taking the initiative to provide a more ethical solution to fashion. The cork tree’s survival is actually dependent on people stripping the bark of the tree every nine years. Instead of cutting the trees down or harming them we actually take part in helping them to live a long and healthy life. I feel good knowing that I take part in helping bring awareness to products that can actually help aide in the preservation of earth’s raw materials. Cork fashion is not so known in the western world as of yet and just now making a huge debut in Europe.

My company is actively working to educate the western consumers about the benefits of cork over less ethical fashion material and also working to give a quality image to cork as I see it as a luxury item. Some consumers simply may not care so much about the ethical factor in using cork but may care more about the appearance which is why my company has focused on creating a fashion forward appearance. We work with different high fashion models to give that high fashion look but at the same time keeping it authentic and simple to attract consumers of all backgrounds. I think that’s what sets us apart, our commitment to fashion and the environment.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
At the current moment, my company is focusing more on wholesale as a way to provide the means for sustainable growth. To develop a brand is very costly and requires a large amount of capital. This year I plan to attend fashion week in Paris and possibly London as well so that I am able to be around those of like mind and learn from them. it will also allow me the opportunity to get a better understanding of how to get my collection in these shows. I plan to design an original collection this year infusing cork with other organic materials and producing a series of high-end commercial shoots displaying the collection. This entire year will be dedicated to acquiring the necessary capital needed in order to really push my company as a major retail brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.liorespremiumcork.com
• Phone: 877 -275 -4781
• Email: info@liorespremiumcork.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liorespremiumcork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liorespremiumcork/

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