Tovah Robinson
Start-Up
Black / African American, Woman-Identified
Creative
Economic Power, Green / Sustainability, Race & Equity
B2C
Sustainability
Tovah Robinson turned her journey of self-discovery into 535A Bond, a footwear brand born out of personal experience and a commitment to inclusivity. Starting in nursing, moving through marketing, and finally finding her passion in footwear design, Tovah’s path was anything but linear.
535A Bond, a reference to her first Brooklyn apartment, symbolizes humble beginnings and deep connections within the African diaspora.
The brand reflects Tovah’s mission to create stylish, inclusive shoes for those often overlooked by mainstream fashion. Tovah’s experiences in the fashion industry, marked by both personal and professional triumphs and challenges, fueled her resolve to build a brand that stands for more than just fashion. 535A Bond emerged during the 2020 lockdown, transforming grief into art therapy and a purpose-driven business. Offering artfully crafted shoes inclusive of larger sizes, 535A Bond addresses a significant gap in the market. It’s a brand that combines Tovah’s experience as a black woman in fashion with a genuine desire to uplift and inspire through footwear designed for all. Inspired by the wisdom of Maya Angelou, who said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," our mantra is: "Empower, Inspire, and Be Felt: Embrace the Power of Your Presence." This embodies our commitment to uplift and inspire our customers, ensuring they are seen, heard, and deeply felt by all.