ON ZOE KENNEDY’S table is a projection, but it isn’t a memory; it’s a vision of restoration. The image is part of a factory in Mexico. Although still a bustle of high productivity, one large section is now filled with storage boxes and motorbikes after many people were laid off during the pandemic.
“I completely mocked it up to look like the part of the factory that we’re going to devote to the Boot Lassos,” Zoe says, her voice gleaming with pride.
It’s obvious that Boot Lassos by Agave Blue – a super savvy boot accessory – represents more than just a product; it’s a mission to restore prosperity to a factory and its workers.
“This whole overarching goal now has nothing to do with me,” she emphasises. “The fact that this little product has the potential to change the lives of real people and real families is my entire goal… that’s what motivates me to enjoy this ride.”
It’s been a decade since Zoe made the quantum leap from school teacher to boot merchant – selling 12 pairs from a tent at the Eumundi Markets – a career move that still makes her heart and her soles sing.
“I’ve always worn boots with dresses, even when I was young. I feel like the fashion has finally caught up, but there are a lot of us who’ve always been that girl,” she says. “I’m not a high-heel girl. I’m more of an earthy kind of person.”
And she’s not the only one. Agave Blue has attracted quite the following, which she assures has “nothing to do with Taylor Swift”.
Zoe has been standing on her own two feet, and now she’s on the brink of breaking into the American market with Boot Lassos.
“In the shop, I’ve got boots that go from $400 to $2500,” she tells salt. “And I’m a realist; not everyone’s going to afford that.
“I have two types of customers. I have the investor who knows the boots are quality. She’s tried them on multiple times, and they’re something practical, and they’re going to last her forever. And then I’ve got the collector, who’s an insatiable fashionista who has to have everything new.
“So I started playing around with making an accessory that’s luxury but affordable. A little accessory that can turn her boot from a daytime boot to a night-time boot. And it’s covered in couture. These things are studded, embroidered, and have leather lacing – just like the boots.
“This product is a real celebration of people curating their individuality.”
The idea blew the socks off everyone in the industry, but after sinking a lot of time and money into the original design and patent, it was clear Zoe needed to take a little step back before she could jump forward.
In October last year, Zoe boarded a plane to Mexico with a new prototype in hand to show Señor Luis, her boot manufacturer. Since then she has gone from concept to production to launching – all in just nine months.
The result is truly boot-iful. Fully adjustable from sizes five to 11, Lassos can fit any boot.
“I also made them so you can pull apart the front and the back and completely swap them,” Zoe explains.
Lassos have been running out the door, with pre-orders coming in hot from the US. Zoe also secured a major American retailer, all before launching at an international trade show in Dallas in August.
But while Lassos look the part, they’re also doing their part for the sustainable slow fashion movement – made from obsolete leather.
“Obsolete leather is 100 per cent premium leather that isn’t enough for another boot run,” Zoe says. “For people who are conscious consumers, I’m literally utilising materials that are waiting in a room to be used.
“It also gives it that factor that it’s rare because it’s limited. Once we use it all up, we go to the next hide.”
Zoe’s commitment has struck a chord with many, bringing a fresh and conscientious approach to the market.
Each pair of Lassos tells a story, not just of style, but of sustainability and ethical production.
Not long back from the Gympie Muster, Zoe says it is only now that she’s able to take a deep breath and reflect on all she’s achieved. But not for too long. “What’s that old John Wayne saying? We’re burnin’ daylight.”
Zoe’s vision is unshakable. Her passion for fashion, coupled with her desire to make a positive impact, fuels her every single day.
Boot Lassos is more than just an accessory. This brand and product symbolises a creator’s hope, resilience and the power of innovation to bring about real change.