In this special episode of Shopify Masters, we visit the office of Velasca, a direct to consumer brand specializing in Italian handcrafted shoes. Co-founder Enrico Casati shares how he left his banking career and launched a direct to consumer brand by connecting local craft-makers in Italy with a global customer base. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting entrepreneurs everywhere, some more than others. Velasca, based in an epicenter of the current outbreak, are working incredibly hard to stay connected with their community virtually and adapt to these uncertain times. This episode was recorded in late 2019, and Velasca’s journey is an impressive one to listen to. Send some love their way virtually by visiting them here. At Shopify, we're quickly building new resources to help independent businesses navigate the current situation. up resources to better help our community, Learn more about our response to COVID-19 here. Tune in to learn: How Velasca built relationships with the shoemakers and convinced them to take on their ordersWhat kind of storytelling that connects to consumers and entertains themThe process of building out a retail presence that spans over ten stores and three countries Music in this episode: Donnalee by Blue Dot SessionsPoppyseed by Podington BearDaybreak by Chad CrouchStickle by Blue Dot SessionsVacation Days by KICKSTA