How a Couple Turned Job Losses Into a Million-Dollar Shoe Empire

Marina Larroudé and her husband Ricardo turned job losses into a thriving business. After both were laid off, they founded Larroudé, a footwear company now valued at millions. Their journey began in their own home, with their two children watching as the business took shape. Before launching Larroudé, Marina worked in fashion, while Ricardo had a career in finance. The couple faced financial strain after losing their jobs and struggling with New York’s high living costs. This uncertainty pushed them to start their own company.

For the first two years, they ran the business from home. Their children saw firsthand how the company grew, though they sometimes asked their parents to stop talking about work. Despite this, Marina and Ricardo insist Larroudé is not a family business and have no plans for their children to take over. Today, the company employs around 600 people across the U.S. and Brazil. Marina serves as creative director, while Ricardo leads as CEO. Their focus remains on building resilience and courage in their children rather than involving them in the business.

Larroudé has grown from a home-based project to a multimillion-pound enterprise. The company now supports hundreds of jobs in two countries. Meanwhile, Marina and Ricardo continue to prioritise their children’s independence over any future role in the family business.