SEEMINGLY ELEGANT DESIGN
About Our Online Store
From the sea to soles: A passion for shoes sparked by a journey of self-discovery.
From Cruise Ships to Shoes
Mustafa Kara spent 20 years working on cruise ships, ultimately reaching the position of Director of Food and Beverage. Despite his success, Kara felt unrecognized once he left the ship, pushing him to seek a more fulfilling venture.
After managing a family restaurant for two years, he decided to open a shoe business, drawing inspiration from his childhood experience of wearing worn-out shoes and running a shoe-shine stand. His deep love for shoes and desire for personal recognition fueled his shift into entrepreneurship.
The Birth of Marashli Shoes
Kara founded Marashli Shoes in under a year, collaborating with his nephew to design 80 styles of shoes in just three weeks. The store, located in Stoneridge Shopping Center, Pleasanton, CA, offers a wide range of handcrafted men’s footwear, priced between $117 to $277 per pair. Manufactured primarily in Italy and Turkey, Kara’s shoes stand out for their quality and unique designs.
He takes pride in the handmade nature of the products, believing it guarantees the best quality. Marashli also offers belts, wallets, and bamboo socks, expanding beyond just shoes to fulfill customer demand for accessories.
Vision and Values
Kara’s ultimate goal goes beyond financial success. He wants to create a globally recognized brand that is known for both quality and accessibility. He hopes to turn his business into a foundation that can help children in need by providing education and jobs.
Kara’s patriotism for America and belief in the nation’s potential for opportunity are evident, as he praises the country’s openness to entrepreneurs regardless of background. His passion for giving back and building a legacy through his company reflects his dedication to making a meaningful impact on the world.
Commitment to Craftsmanship and Innovation
Kara’s attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in every pair of shoes Marashli produces. Each shoe is handmade, ensuring that no flaws go unnoticed, and every stitch is checked twice. He combines traditional shoe styles with creative modern twists, such as adding red laces or accent stripes to classic designs.
His choice to manufacture in Italy and Turkey, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, reflects his desire to provide the best for his customers. For Kara, these innovations and high standards are essential to offering shoes that are not only stylish but also durable, lightweight, and affordable.