It has been seven years since I first started working with grds, beginning as a part-time staff member at the Yeonnam store with the simple intention of supporting my husband (brand's director). Over the years, I have navigated new and challenging responsibilities, vastly different from my previous experiences. Now, I am grateful to have a team by my side, each of us inspiring one another as we strive for personal and collective growth. While I attribute the presence of such wonderful colleagues to sheer luck, there are still moments when I find myself struggling, questioning whether I am on the right path or missing something crucial. In times of doubt, I turn to my husband for guidance and reassurance.
grds has evolved through countless experiences, and while it is uncertain how far we will go or if we will reach our goals as envisioned, I firmly believe that sincerity and hard work will eventually lead to valuable opportunities.
And I hope that this journey is not just about grds' growth but about the growth of every team member as well.
-From Jihye |
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📃 today's grds paper
1. music
2. inside grds!
3. walking course #9 grds seoul store neighborhood
4. meet the Team
5. shoes recipe (slides 04 suede)
6. grds on feet
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🎧 Kings Of Convenience - Cayman Islands
If I were to capture the essence of grds in a song, I would choose music by Kings of Convenience, a Norwegian duo beloved by a brand director and team members alike. Shoes accompany a person from the start of the day, through their daily routine, and finally back home. They are one of the most intimate and enduring possessions we have. When walking in grds shoes, I hope that a sense of quiet happiness, like the warm and tranquil lyrics of this song, spreads from deep within.
The wind is in your hair
It's covering my view
I'm holding on to you
On a bike we've hired until tomorrow
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inside grds!
As the scenery along the streets turns greener, grds, too, has been experiencing small yet meaningful changes. Here are some updates from within our team! 🌱
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A Late Workshop
This past March, the entire grds team gathered for 2024 workshop.
Led by our director, we shared discussions on the brand’s vision and mission. Each team presented its direction moving forward, fostering a deeper understanding of our respective roles. Before enjoying a delicious dinner, we formed small groups to talk about our current interests, getting to know each other better.
We believe that small initiatives like these bring about significant change, just as individual dots connect to form lines, and lines merge to create shapes. We look forward to growing together and hope you’ll continue to support grds in its journey. |
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The Importance of Foot Health
Last week, grds HQ biomechanics hosted a pedorthic session. A pedorthist specializes in addressing foot and lower limb issues using footwear modifications, orthotics, and other assistive devices.🦶🏻 Through this session, we gained a deeper understanding of foot anatomy and how the shoes we wear daily impact our health.
Rather than simply focusing on stylish designs and craftsmanship, we are committed to understanding the importance of foot health and integrating professional insights into our products. This experience reinforced our pride in providing customers with well-crafted shoes that enhance both comfort and well-being. We aspire to contribute to a culture of happier, healthier walking.
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49, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Right across from the grds seoul store, there is a stylish brunch spot.🥪
Welcomed by a charismatic guy who run sthis cafe, you’ll find an array of diverse brunch options along with excellent coffee. I personally love both the grilled cheese toast and shrimp bun, it's impossible to pick a favorite. It’s a great spot for solo dining, but I highly recommend visiting with a friend to try more dishes. After exploring the grds store, this is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite! |
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52, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Stepping into the grds store feels like entering an entirely different world. The curved corten steel, high ceilings, and sculptural furniture create a unique ambiance. Complemented by carefully selected music and fragrances, the space exudes a calm and inviting atmosphere. Here, you can try on every product currently available at grds, and customers who make a purchase receive complimentary coffee from Manufact. Come experience the beauty of the space while exploring our collection. 👞
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56, Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Just a two minute walk from grds, Low Books first caught my eye in November 2021, when we moved our office to Mangwon and I spent time aimlessly wandering the neighborhood. The sunlight streaming in around 4 PM is particularly beautiful here. Though a small bookstore, its curated selection is rich and diverse. The best part? The owner has an uncanny ability to recommend the perfect book based on what you’ve enjoyed before.📖 If you’re ever unsure what to read next, I highly recommend trusting their recommendations.
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64, Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Whenever visitors ask for a cafe recommendation near our store, my answer is always the same, Small Coffee. The friendly owner and charming decor create an unexplainable sense of comfort. Since they roast their own beans, the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee often fills the air. This cafe welcomes everyone, including kids and furry friends.🐕 Be sure to stop by for a cup of coffee! |
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467, Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
As spring evenings grow longer, Mangwon Hangang Park is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the warm breeze. Watching the sunset reflected on the Han River is a serene way to reflect on your day or simply let your thoughts wander.💭 Despite the crowds, the ambient noise feels surprisingly subdued, making it easy to sit for hours without feeling restless. If you need a moment of peace, I highly recommend taking a walk along the river.
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The faces behind the grds store |
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Woobin store manager
When I first started managing the store, I had two main desires: to attract more visitors and to build lasting relationships with our customers. However, I soon realized that none of this could be achieved alone, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible team that makes it all possible.👭🏻👫🏻 Their unwavering support, even through the ups and downs of retail, has been my greatest source of motivation. As time passes, I’ve come to believe that fostering a fun, engaging work environment creates a much healthier and more dynamic synergy than simply chasing success.
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Small interviews with our new team members! |
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Heejun CX manager
Q. How did you join grds?
I’ve always loved fashion, and three years ago, I saw the grds slide 03 in earth gray on an online fashion community. I loved it so much that I even sent an inquiry—now, here I am, working here!
Q. What is your MBTI?
(Wait, what was it again?) ESTJ.
Q. What is your favorite food?
Pork belly! I love making boiled pork at home, grilling it in the air fryer, or stir-frying it. I actually prefer it over beef. Also, pizza crust—I love it when someone leaves it for me! The crispy part is the best.
Q. What is your favorite Music Artist?
The Weeknd, Giriboy, and Taylor Swift.
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Minjung contents designer
Q. Introduce yourself
Hello, I’m Minjung, and I recently joined grds. My major is photography, and I love capturing life’s stories in various ways. It’s exciting to work with a brand I admire!
Q. What do you do at free time?
Sometimes, I crave the energy that comes from being in a new place. When that feeling hits, I step out of my home and head to an unfamiliar neighborhood. Wandering through its alleyways without a set destination, I often stumble upon unexpected and interesting sights. I’m especially drawn to places rich with the traces of everyday life, where the presence of people is deeply felt.
Q. What is your favorite Fashion Brand?
I love the natural aesthetic of Baserange and have recently been drawn to Repos for its clean and androgynous designs.
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shoes recipe
We share the inspiration behind our designs and the best ways to wear them! |
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terracotta / cappuccino / green moss |
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▪︎Design
Inspired by the beaches of Okinawa, Slides 04 features a wave-like pattern reminiscent of ocean ripples. 🌊 The stitch-down construction extends the welt, creating a broader, more substantial silhouette. Inside the shoe, an embossed quote adds an inspiring touch, while vintage-style rivet details enhance its character. Unlike typical open-toe slides that feel lightweight, Slides 04 covers more of the toes and incorporates a leather footbed, elevating both comfort and sophistication.
▪︎Manufacturer : Portugal |
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For the upper, we used full-grain unlined suede from OPERA, an Italian tannery known for its premium leather. The hide comes from the double butt of French calfskin, a durable area that softens beautifully over time, developing a rich patina. At first glance, the two sections of the upper may appear to be different materials, but they’re actually from the same leather—one side showing the outer grain, the other the inner. This subtle contrast creates a naturally harmonious color balance.
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Perfect for a seaside getaway, a casual meet-up with friends, or a relaxing weekend at a hotel, these slides offer effortless comfort. They pair beautifully with shorts in the summer, adding a stylish touch to your look. On a bright spring day, they also complement lightweight cotton pants or jeans. |
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grds on feet
A stylish outfit is never complete without the right shoes!
Here’s how grds products are styled.
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📍Today’s grds on feet features the balmoral 10 suede/cordura christo brown, a trekking shoe with a modern silhouette, unique color, and distinctive tongue detail. While designed for trekking, it pairs effortlessly with various styles except for formal suits. Our marketer, Chaerin, wears them more than five days a week. Offering all-day comfort without compromising on a refined aesthetic, this pair has become a staple in her wardrobe. |
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A silent person can never be free, and no relationship is more important than the one with myself. I choose not to remain silent so that I can take better care of myself.
- Jihye Um, 『The One Who Loves with Deliberate Taste』
침묵하는 사람은 자유로울 수 없고 나와의 관계보다 더 소중한 관계는 없다.
나를 더 잘 돌보기 위해 침묵하지 않는 편을 택하고 싶다.
- 엄지혜, 『까다롭게 좋아하는 사람』
*This sentence is an English translation based on a Korean book.
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grds paper is a members-only newsletter
that explores and shares everyday inspirations through walking.
Join the grds membership and receive an email every three weeks!
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grds
info@grds.com
52, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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