Toni Pons

Key Takeaways

• Roea Hoon was inspired to import the Toni Pons brand after being impressed by the shoe’s quality, durability, and comfort.
• The brand is a third-generation family business from Spain that has been making high-quality, handmade espadrilles since 1946.
• Hoon chose Village Walk for her store location because of its excellent design which reminds her of Europe.
• Toni Pons plans to bring a much wider range of stylish and comfortable Spanish shoes for women, men, and kids to the South African market.

Toni Pons, what an incredible brand – please tell us more WHY and what made you decide to pursue this brand.

I bought a pair of Toni Pons a couple of years ago and was amazed by the quality, durability, and comfort of the shoes! Since I have a very busy and demanding lifestyle, it is of the utmost importance that a shoe is of good quality, last long and is durable but also stylish.

I would love to share these stylish and beautiful shoes with the rest of South Africa.

Toni Pons, what an incredible brand – please tell us more WHY and what made you decide to pursue this brand.

I bought a pair of Toni Pons a couple of years ago and was amazed by the quality, durability, and comfort of the shoes! Since I have a very busy and demanding lifestyle, it is of the utmost importance that a shoe is of good quality, last long and is durable but also stylish. I would love to share these stylish and beautiful shoes with the rest of South Africa.

How does your expectations compare to reality?

It far exceeded my expectations to be honest!

In your career so far, can you share an “aha” moment, when a learning made a big impact on the next step that you took?

I made a trip to Spain in 2022 and was awe-struck by the Toni Pons factory. The factory in Spain is amazing! Tables and Tables of shoes for the next season!

Toni Pons have really surprised me, the fact that Espadrilles are truly still made by hand! It is an artistry! Since 1946; this is why they are so good at it! Toni Pons is a third-generation family business. The integrity of the family business, quality materials used, and superb design impressed me immensely.

They are always one step ahead in the fashion world and produce a high-quality shoe that is durable, extremely comfortable, timeless, yet fashionable.

The original espadrille from Spain!!

Tell us about the professional persona, Roea Hoon? Where did you study, what was your first ever job and what path did your career take from there to where you are now?

I had a passion for retail, good design, fashion, and entrepreneurship from school, therefore I studied a B degree in Retail at the University of Pretoria.

My first job was for Checkers Head Office, where I did layout for the Fruit in Vegetable division. I really enjoyed the creativity, working with people and the business aspect of my job. It was a wonderful learning experience.

I am a creative person and had a desire to sell or design something unique in the South African market as in entrepreneur. It just took me a while to find the right brand and opportunity to pursue my dream.

I first started an upmarket Second-hand clothing business, that was a huge success and that eventually led to the online selling of Toni Pons.

Tell us a bit about your personal life and what you are passionate about.

As a child, I played amongst my mother’s beautiful flowers in her garden and was fascinated by all the different hues. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by luscious fabrics in extraordinary prints as my mom has exceptional taste. My creative aunt was also a big inspiration! This has given me my love for fashion.

I love people and investing time in relationships. I am a wife of a wonderful husband and a mom of four kids! Life is full and busy, but I absolutely love it!!

I am passionate about music and dancing is part of my life, especially Spanish dancing.

I would call myself somewhat of a foodie and love stylish coffee shops or restaurants.

In my free time I love, running or hiking in nature, traveling, and reading. I have an eye for fashion and beautiful things.

If you could be a professional in any industry, what would it be?

What I am doing now on a bigger scale!

What can we expect from Toni Pons in the next two years?

We would love to bring a much wider range of these beautiful Spanish shoes to South Africa!
Since this shoe adds some international style and comfort to the current local market.
There are so many different styles and ranges; so, we are planning very exciting things coming for women, men and kids!!!

Why Village Walk?

I believe Village Walk is expertly designed and the lay out of the shops is fantastic. It reminds me of some of the streets and restaurant in Europe, a place I love, but it is also a fresh new concept!
At the same time, it is conveniently close to my home!