Quirky Toes came into the scene back in 2017 as the first specialty socks brand in Kuwait and the GCC. Since its inception, the household name continues to grow in popularity with their ethos of creating quirky designs that are also functional. Electrical Engineer Ahmad Taher, the entrepreneur behind it all, shared with us the story on how the unique brand started and what’s next for Quirky Toes.
Image courtesy of Quirky Toes.
Ahmad has always wanted to start his own fashion brand, and from the beginning, it was going to be focused on socks. “I wanted to develop something that would be different. Something that, basically, would get people to express themselves, and that’s where the idea for Quirky Toes came from,” says Ahmad.
The ability to express yourself through a pair of socks is intriguing enough. One look at the designs and you’re bound to find one that represents your personality. Imagine, at the end of a long day, when it’s finally time to take off your shoes and lay down to relax, a glance at your pair of Quirky Toes will eventually draw a smile on your face; and that’s the ultimate goal, they are meant to bring out your inner child.
Each and every collection at Quirky Toes has its own theme, but the most popular one in Kuwait is The Ballerina. The collection is an explosion of colors made out of cotton and sheer materials, with the cutest designs we’ve ever seen. Another interesting collection is The Bourgeois, Ahmad describes it best as the ‘no show’ socks.
He also explains that The Bourgeois collection is “Focused a lot more on the technical part of the socks, they’re the only socks in Kuwait that never fall off your feet, literally. A lot of people face problems with no-show socks, taking a couple of steps and then it falls in. So, the collection focuses a lot more on technicality and efficiency.”
Quirky Toes is presenting promising materials, technical efficiency, amazing designs, and more importantly, comfort and the joy of simply being yourself. The brand, which fully embraces culture and the community is growing with multiple collections, and it’s going even further than just socks. “It started with socks and now very, very soon we’re going to start doing underwear,” says Ahmad.
Ahmad started Quirky Toes completely on his own after his proposal was accepted and funded by Kuwait National Fund. His life was completely transformed from working as an Electrical Engineer, towards becoming an entrepreneur, even though technically what Ahmad is doing includes plenty of engineering to it. What’s life like as an entrepreneur? “It’s crazy, it’s stressful, it’s amazing, it’s a rollercoaster, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” We asked Ahmad to participate in our humble game of truth or dare, and he courageously agreed! Read on to learn all about the man behind the quirky brand.
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Ok, I tried, but I couldn’t find a way to describe her with only a single word. “My rock” would be the most fitting one to be honest. I owe her everything and nothing that I can say would suffice.
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Annoying, just kidding. I actually called her to ask and she said “My life” (Cheese).
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
When are you going to get married? (Usually by my mother)
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I picked up my passport and flew to Cairo to surprise my mother on her birthday.
What is your theme song?
I have a few actually, Thunderstruck by AC/DC, Calm Down by G-Eazy. And ehm… I want it that way, by the Backstreet Boys haha.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Quirky.
Where would you like to live?
I have always planned to build my business in a way that would allow me to travel a lot while maintaining my base here in Kuwait, so there is no specific place that I would like to live in at the moment.
What is your dream retirement location?
Southern Spain or Northern Italy. I am really fascinated by the cultures of both countries especially these two regions.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“Cerca Trova”, it’s Italian for “Seek and you shall find”. It is more of a personal mantra to me than a quote.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
A cat, but this is when it comes to my life, cats are independent and intelligent, and these are the traits that I would like in my future wife.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Many things, but mostly Ramadan, because it used to be totally different when I was young. It had a different taste both spiritually and fun-wise.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
Rio haha. It used to be my nickname growing up and in college. I am used to it more than my actual name.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Fresh-Prince-y (Do you see what I did there? Haha), if someone knows me well they would know how to do the Fresh Prince- Jazzy Jeff handshake.
What is the toughest part of your character?
My stubbornness. I hate it when someone tells me that I cannot do something that concerns my life, so I go on and do it, twice.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Henry Ford, I believe that he was a revolutionary who went against all the odds of his time and created something that changed the world as we know it, while raising the bar when it came to labour rights.
What in the world do you least desire?
Seafood. I know, I know! I am literally the only one in my family from both sides that pretty much cannot tolerate it!
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
The belief of giving back, be it one’s community or any of the many less fortunate ones around the world.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I really can’t find an answer to that, but I like people in general so I am guessing it must be karma of some sorts.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Happiness is doing what you like to do while spreading joy in the process
For more information, follow @quirkytoes on Instagram, or check out the website www.quirkytoes.com.
