INGILIZ is a contemporary luxury footwear brand, sustainably sourced and responsibly handcrafted by European artisans in our family-owned factory. Pulse 2.0 interviewed INGILIZ chief operating officer Remzi Ingilizov to learn more about the company.
Remzi Ingilizov’s Background
What is Remzi Ingilizov’s background? Ingilizov said:
“I grew up in a family of artisan shoemakers. Both of my grandmothers, my father, and many of my relatives are shoemakers by profession and I am a third-generation shoemaker. After I completed my higher education with a master’s degree in marketing in 2010, I joined the family business. I have held almost every position in the company, from production roles to managerial and top management positions. While I was a student, I worked in the production departments during summer vacations to learn the intricacies of the shoemaking craft. Over the years, I have managed various production departments and been responsible for the company’s investment program (actually, I still am responsible for it) related to implementing new technologies. Since 2018, I have been the COO of the company, and almost all activities in the organization, to some extent, lead to me, as is the case in a family business and artisanal environment. “
Formation Of INGILIZ
How did the idea for the company come together? Ingilizov shared:
“The idea of creating the company came as a natural continuation of the artisanal roots we have. Both of my grandmothers are master artisans in shoemaking with more than 40 years of experience. My father, the founder of the company, graduated with a footwear design education and was part of a design team for some time. In 1996, the company INGILIZ was born. It unites many of my relatives who are also devoted to the shoemaking craft.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Ingilizov’s favorite memory of working for the company so far? Ingilizov reflected:
“To be honest, I don’t have a specific favorite memory. This is probably because I feel like the company is an extension of me and I am a part of it. I like that we manage to combine family life and business into one. I’m happy that we manage to continue a tradition that has been passed down through three generations and that we are able to withstand the challenges of daily life. As a recognition of this, we got awarded with Forbes 2023 Family Company of the Year. Perhaps as a culmination, I would highlight the moment when we decided to pursue the path of sustainable fashion after long observations and careful research.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Ingilizov explained:
“The core INGILIZ product is what we’re most passionate about – women’s elegant highheeled shoes in classic lines with a contemporary interpretation of the materials used, all resulting from green and sustainable production. The INGILIZ design is unique in that it incorporates true craftsmanship, in-house production of shoe components and family values – the core foundations on which we continue to grow the INGILIZ brand.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Ingilizov and the team faced in building the company? Ingilizov acknowledged:
“Artisanal production is difficult regardless of the level of automation and software involved. The human touch always remains paramount in the art of shoemaking. In modern times, it’s challenging to find people, fellow thinkers, who are eager to be fully engaged in production. The problem arises from the fact that production requires the skills of craftsmen combined with software knowledge and the use of modern technology. The training process is long and arduous, it requires a serious investment of time and effort.”
Evolution Of INGILIZ’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Ingilizov noted:
“The company was founded in 1996 in a small space of about 20 square meters with just four people: my father, my mother, and both of my grandmothers. Since 2015, I have been responsible for investments in new technologies in the company. As of today, we have 17,000 square meters of built-up area, equipped with the most modern technologies and production lines for manufacturing shoes and shoe components. We use patented technologies that incorporate sustainable practices into green production in a highly artisanal industry.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Ingilizov cited:
“The most significant moments include stages even before the actual founding of the company:
- 1976: My grandmother embarks on the long journey of artisanal shoemaking
- 1996: The actual establishment of INGILIZ
- 2000: Opening of additional production for shoe molds
- 2011: The emergence of the INGILIZ brand
- 2016: Nearly a closed loop in the production of shoes and shoe components
- 2017: Launch of the company’s sustainability strategy
Customer Success Stories
Upon asking Ingilizov about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“Back in 2011, a man I didn’t know at the time, Gianfranco Pierantoni, came to me. He was with a colleague of mine whom I knew well. Gianfranco told me:
‘You need to help me. I need to deliver specific shoes. The GOT /Game of Thrones/ production has tasked me with supplying shoes for their specific needs.’”
“At that moment, I was skeptical, but since he was with my colleague who vouched for him, I entered the project. We produced all the shoes that were needed. Gianfranco earned the trust of the production, and over the course of 7 seasons, we supplied the shoes needed for the films. For the continuation of the series, we also produce all shoes required. Over the years of working together, we have worked on countless Hollywood projects and produced custom-made shoes for various productions.”
Funding/Revenue
When asking Ingilizov about the company’s funding and revenue details, he revealed:
“The financing of the company comes from two sources. The main part is from the revenues generated by the company, and the investments are made through partially attracted capital from partner banks. The company is entirely family-owned and does not have any external investment streams. For 2023, the INGILIZ brand saw a 62% increase in revenue compared to 2022, and for the first quarter of 2024, we have achieved almost 95% increase compared to the first quarter of 2023.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Ingilizov assessed:
“The market is the entire world! We address our product to all connoisseurs of women’s elegant high-heeled shoes in classic shapes with a contemporary interpretation, combined with sustainable practices, globally!”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Ingilizov affirmed:
“Our in-depth expertise in the artisanal production processes of shoemaking, combined with green sustainable practices, is our strongest advantage. The production knowledge horizontally (shoe manufacturing) and vertically (component manufacturing for shoes) in the production processes makes INGILIZ a highly maneuverable structure capable of putting together the entire product, from concept and design to completion. This is what truly differentiates us from our competitors, as the footwear industry is characterized with long and complex supply chains and a comprehensive in-house expertise both vertically and horizontally is rare to find.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Ingilizov pointed out:
“Continuing our ESG strategy with a focus on Scope 3 involves positioning and enhancing the recognition of the INGILIZ brand among premium footwear brands that genuinely implement green practices. This strategic approach aims to strengthen our brand’s reputation in the sustainable premium footwear market and differentiate INGILIZ by our commitment to environmental responsibility throughout our supply chain.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Ingilizov concluded:
“Customer’s behavior is quite an interesting phenomenon. Often, customers purchase products without considering their origin or symbolism. The focus has shifted from seeking high-quality, cost-effective products to craving emotional rewards. INGILIZ strives to evoke subjective feelings, emotional bonds, and self-image association through its brand experience. The strength of customer-brand attachment hinges on how much the customer’s perception of the brand aligns with their values, lifestyle and vision for the future.”
