FOUNDER: EVAN STREUSAND

WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME

Austin is home because of the weather, the food, the people, it’s all the best things about Texas. It’s paradise.

FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY

My favorite artist would be Beach House, it’s relaxing, soothing and helps with getting my thoughts together. Lonerism by Tame Impala is definitely the best for a creative spark.

BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)

Iced Coffee, especially Jo’s Coffee Shop’s Turbo Iced Coffee.

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

Instagram inspiration comes from other sustainable and ethical brands and bloggers including Brother Vellies, Alyssa Yamamoto, Escudo and LivvyLand Blog

GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL

Goldfish are the best-mid day snacks for creative fuel, especially at the office.

WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE MOST CREATIVE? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, ETC.

I feel the most creative at home.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO CREATE FORTRESS OF INCA

While traveling in Peru, I came across some boots that I loved and thought others would love them too, so I started Fortress of Inca to bring the unique textile-based designs to the US.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF FORTRESS OF INCA

The most exciting moment was selling the first pair of shoes and realizing how real everything felt.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT

I make sure Fortress of Inca stands out by letting customers know we value them, providing great quality shoes, great customer service all while ethically made.

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE

Bob Dylan

HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED YOUR BRAND

Social media as connected us around the world. Fortress of Inca has been able to grow, express ourselves, speak to our customers, and find new fans of our product every day.

WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH

We have loved collaborating with our artisan partners in Peru. The design process requires input from every part of the shoemaking process, so it’s really a team effort when creating a style.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU

Shopping local is extremely important, it allows communities, business owners, and the economy to grow.

HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU

Austin was the first place we showed and sold our shoes to local boutiques and gained our first customers. Austin has welcomed us unconditionally and has been the start of a great journey. Austin is an amazing place for entrepreneurs and highly supports local businesses.

SHARE ABOUT THE DEEP RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERU AND FORTRESS OF INCA

Peru is the entire inspiration for the company. We are forever in awe of the craftsmanship, work ethic and dedication behind developing and creating shoes.

WOULD YOU BE OPEN TO A DESIGN COLLAB WITH A LOCAL AUSTIN ARTIST

We are always open to new partnerships and opportunities with local artists.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT FORTRESS OF INCA

All the work and skill that goes into making just one pair of shoes.

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO BUILD A BRAND AROUND ETHICAL VALUES SUCH AS: FAIR WAGES, HANDMADE, PREMIUM NATURAL MATERIALS, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, ETC.

I can't imagine building a brand without these ethical values. I wanted to be proud and full heartedly stand behind the brand.

AUSTIN LOCAL INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP(S)

Medici Cafe and Jo’s Coffee Shop are the best in Austin.

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK

Via 313

FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE

Jack & Lola

MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

I recommend checking out Barton Springs Pool, Breakway Records, End of an Ear and of course our ATX Shoe Parlor.

WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND YOUR DESIGNS

Supporters can find Fortress of Inca online, https://www.fortressofinca.com/, as well as Anthropologie, Amour Vert, and many boutiques across the US.