Skip to content
Ignite Your Business Journey — Small-business — Careers — **Stay Safe in the Skies**

From Job Loss to Millions: How One Couple Built a Shoe Empire at Home

A Shopify ka-ching became their anthem of hope. Now, their children watch as resilience turns a kitchen-table idea into a global business—without inheriting it.

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
The image shows a woman in a black and white dress standing in front of a fence with a quote on it...
The image shows a woman in a black and white dress standing in front of a fence with a quote on it that reads "Being a woman entrepreneur means having the passion to take risks and the courage to make them real through action and collaboration". In the background, there are trees, vehicles, and a clear blue sky.

From Job Loss to Millions: How One Couple Built a Shoe Empire at Home

Marina and Ricardo Larroudé built a successful shoe company after losing their jobs. They began the business from home, with their two children watching as orders rolled in. Over time, the family-run venture grew into a multimillion-pound enterprise employing hundreds across the U.S. and Brazil.

The idea for the company took shape after both Marina and Ricardo were laid off. With no other options, they turned their home into a workspace and launched their brand. Their children, still young at the time, listened to the constant ka-ching of the Shopify app—each sound marking a new sale. One of their sons once asked, 'Won't it be amazing when you have to turn that sound off?' as orders flooded in.

The Larroudés now employ around 600 people, mostly in Brazil, where production and development are based. A small New York office handles U.S. sales, but the bulk of operations remains in cities like Caxias do Sul and Flores da Cunha. Marina leads as creative director, shaping designs and branding, while Ricardo serves as CEO and final decision-maker. Despite their success, the couple insists their company is not a family business. They have no plans for their children to take over, though they raised them to value hard work and resilience. Marina hopes her kids will face challenges with courage—whether in business or life.

The Larroudés' company has grown from a home-based startup to a major employer with millions in revenue. Their children witnessed the journey but will not inherit the business. Instead, the parents focus on teaching them determination and adaptability for whatever path they choose.

Read also:

Related

Latest