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We are just reflecting on our year and discussing the New Years Resolution for Gandys...

A couple of years ago when Paul and I created Gandys aged 21 & 23, we had a simple vision to create something positive for others from our own negative circumstances.

We wanted to find something that would encompass our unique upbringing of travelling and volunteering around the world. The idea then came for flip flops which symbolizes all of our travels and the journey we have been on, in which since then everything from our logo to the designs of flip flops represents the different cultures and experiences of all of our travels. We have personally volunteered and assisted with funding of various projects in India & Sri Lanka places we previously spent travelling.

From day one, even when we were small with one of us sleeping on the sofa in our flat we have something back to help others and as we continue to grow our attitude will not change but it will mean we can do more.

When we started we didn't doubt our random idea of flip flops, we just knew if we focused & put in hard work, alongside a good attitude we would progress. If we ever have a bad day and get stressed out the other would pull the other threw, along with surrounding ourselves with positive people too in and out of work.

So since starting out of our bedroom 2 years ago with no experience in fashion, retail, footwear, logistics, distribution and many other things we have come along way not without many mistakes though, so thank you for all the patience, we have learnt a lot to say the least.

We have walked around Downing Street and met with our Prime minister David Cameron in our Gandys, managed to get our flip flops in the Worlds best department store Selfridges, we now even have them available on Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island, we went back to Sri Lanka the place where we lost everything in the tsunami. We are now launching this year into some of the best stores around the World. This year Gandys will be launched into over 20 new countries, we hope that our message and product will be recognised around the World.

Like most we will try to cut down on the beers (Unless at another amazing music festival this Summer) and chocolate after a great Christmas with our family, along with a better diet and more exercise this year we have a resolution that we will continue to work relentlessly for this year. We know a lot of people also look for a new job in the New Year as you don't want to go back into your mundane routine, this is something we won't be doing but if you fancy a fresh challenge come join us at Gandys and make part of our resolution yours too then say hello or go start something by yourself and again you can say hello if you want a point in the right direction with something (Not that we know everything but we know what mistakes we have made).

Other than the homes we have already supported, the ONE BIG RESOLUTION for us is opening our very own children's home in memory of our parents for the 10th year anniversary of the tsunami and others affected by natural disasters or simply left in a vulnerable situation! All of the help from our customers, media, retailers, staff, brand ambassadors, friends & family have helped us even closer to reaching our dreams and hope that you continue on this journey with us.

A resolution only has to start small but if you believe in it share it with the World and you can only hope they listen.

Rob & Paul

Lots of great memories and successes this year, but we've managed to narrow down these moments into a Top 13 of 2013. Throughout December we'll be sharing these with you guys....starting today with #1 'Gandys Giving Trip to India'.

Sometimes it's the simple things in life that make a difference...giving a piece of fruit, a smile or a hug. Rob & Paul made their annual trip to India, supporting children who need it the most. This year they visited the Mumbai slums and volunteered in a local school in Goa. As this year comes to a close it is moments like these we look back at remember what the Gandys journey is all about. Explore And Inspire.

#2 'Gandys go Underground'

At the beginning of June, we launched out first marketing campaign. Over 300 posters were seen at over 60 central underground stations - creating a successful brand awareness across the UK capital!

#3 'Festivals'

Summer 2013, well what can we say...not only one of the hottest but also one of the craziest! Up and down the UK we had the Gandys globe out spreading some flip flop loving, and sharing about our brand with lots of lovely festival goers. Some of the Gandys team favourites were Latitude, Bestival, Isle Of Wight, V-fest and Boardmasters...Massive thank you to all involved! Until next year...

#4 'Necker Red'

Our first international stockist and collaboration was with none other than adventurer and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and the rest of his Virgin team who in full force put on their flip flops to mark the exciting day. It inspired us to rename our red collection ‘Necker Red’ after the renowned island and they are now the only flip flops available to buy there.

What a way to celebrate international flip flop day?!

#5 'Youth ambassadors for Diana Awards'

It was a huge privilege when the brothers became the first Youth Ambassadors for the Diana Awards. Not only did they meet the Prime Minister at Downing Street, but they presented Sham Mamoun, a teenager from Syria who has dedicated her life to ending the unrest in Syria, with the 40,000th Diana Award.

#6 'Front Page of the Evening Standard'

Come rain shine and snow, we wear Gandys!

#7 'Winning WGSN global fashion award'

Winning best ‘footwear and accessories design team’ award at WGSN Global Fashion Awards placed Gandys firmly on the fashion map as a summer staple..

#8 'Sri Lanka Trip'

This was the brothers first return back to where they lost their parents in the 2004 Tsunami. The reason they returned was for more hopeful reasons though, to mark the start of our exciting collaboration with Monsoon Accessorize. The combined mission: to educate over 1000 children for a year. It also marked the brothers second meeting with David Cameron, who whole heartedly supports the exciting venture.

The new collection is inspired from the same place where our drive to make a difference comes from, with Indian sub continent themes, innovative designs and creative colours.

S/S 2014 Monsoon Accessorize and Gandys collaboration is set to make a stamp in trend, comfort and social responsibility.

#9 'Gandys Pop Up Shop - Boxpark'

Our first ever pop up store in No 13, Boxpark, Shoreditch, LONDON. Giving us our first little taster of when we get our own store! We also teamed up with STA travel and one lucky customer won a £25O voucher to spend in their Boxpark store.

#1O 'Celebrities love their Gandys'

2013... the year celebrities discovered Gandys and did they do it in style... Jessica Alba, Niall and One Direction, Michelle Keegan, Jamie Oliver, Jessie J, Little Mix (to name a few), everyone’s jumping on the band wagon with their Gandys.

#11 'Bedroom in Brixton'

Gandys started with the brothers in their one bedroom flat in Brixton, to their kitchen in Clapham with a few more people and now we have our first ever official office! Complete with table football and a ping pong table... It’s been the biggest and most exciting move to date.

#12 'Selling 7O,OOO pairs'

This year we have sold 7O,OOO pairs through all our independents, corporate stores on the high street such as SoleTrader, Topman, Schuh, Selfirdges, ASOS and USC, and online to our customers via our website, so a massive thank you to our customers for making this happen, we hope that you are enjoying your Gandys! Next year we hope to make it even bigger!

Niall from One Direction has been spotted rocking out in the LA sunshine wearing his Durban Green Gandys.

Rob and Paul were invited to talk on BBC London news about becoming the youth ambassadors for the Diana Awards, and about the plans of building the children's home.

The brothers were honoured to be announced as the first Youth Ambassadors for the Diana Awards. On Wednesday 9th of October the brothers were guests of Prime Minister David Cameron at a 10 Downing Street reception - where they presented Sham Mamoun, a teenager from Syrian who has dedicated her life to ending the unrest in Syria, with the 40,000^th Diana Award.

The Diana Awards were set up as a lasting legacy to Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power the change the world for the better. Young people are nominated by their schools and communities in recognition of their contribution to society. Prime Minister David Cameron is one of the Patrons to the Award.

Check out http://www.diana-award.org.uk for more info!

Rob was asked to speak about what makes a successful brand at the World Retail Conference in Paris. He spoke about brand creation and development, as well as social enterprise and entrepreneurship.

The last few weeks of September have been perfect time to relax in the sunshine and pose for the camera...

Come and celebrate the end of an awesome summer with us at Gandys! Enjoy the last few weeks of sunshine by visiting Gandys first pop up shop - at number 13 Boxpark Shoreditch. Open for one week (from Friday 13th - Friday 20th September), a great opportunity to meet the Gandys team!

Pop in on our launch night, Friday 13th from 6pm, where there will be free Kingfisher beer and live music!

13 may be unlucky for some, but at number 13 Boxpark, one lucky customer will win a £250 voucher with STA Travel to spend on flights to wherever you want! Would you and your Gandys like to explore Asia? South America? Or maybe go on a city break to beat the autumn blues? With Gandys and STA Travel the opportunities are endless!

Come to our pop-up to say hello, we would love to see as many of our Gandys supporters down there from the 13th!

AHOY there! The Gandys girls and the Gandys van, set sail to the Isle of Wight for the final festival of the summer, BESTIVAL!

Even when the rain became an unannounced headline act it was great to meet Gandys supporters, at the 10th Bestival!

Massive congratulations to Daisy Boswell who got an A* in her GCSE Art exam results on Thursday! Daisy's theme was based on forces of nature, and took her inspiration from Rob and Paul's journey. She did her final piece of their journey in the form of a comic book page.