Laid-Off Couple Launches Multimillion-Dollar Shoe Brand

After losing their jobs in 2020, Marina and Ricardo Larroudé started a shoe company that now employs 600 people.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:21am

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In 2020, Marina and Ricardo Larroudé were both laid off from their successful careers in fashion and finance. Instead of panicking, they decided to start their own shoe company, Larroudé, from their home in New York. Today, the brand employs 600 people, mostly in Brazil, and generates millions in revenue.

Why it matters

The Larroudés' story highlights how entrepreneurship can provide financial security and job opportunities, even in times of economic uncertainty. Their ability to turn a layoff into a thriving business challenges the notion that job loss is always a disaster, and shows how creativity and resilience can lead to unexpected success.

The details

Marina and Ricardo Larroudé had established careers in fashion and finance, but struggled to build wealth living in expensive New York City with their two children. When they were both laid off early in the pandemic, they decided to start their own shoe company, Larroudé, running the business from their home. Despite their lack of experience, the Larroudés were able to grow the brand rapidly, with their children even wearing Larroudé-branded clothing. Today, the company employs around 600 people, mostly in Brazil, and generates millions in revenue.

  • Marina and Ricardo Larroudé were laid off in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • The Larroudés launched their shoe company, Larroudé, from their home in New York shortly after losing their jobs.
  • Over the past five years, Larroudé has grown to employ around 600 people and generate millions in revenue.

The players

Marina Larroudé

The co-founder and creative director of Larroudé, a shoe brand she started with her husband after they were both laid off in 2020.

Ricardo Larroudé

The co-founder and CEO of Larroudé, the shoe company he started with his wife Marina after they lost their jobs in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“If we knew what we know now, we might not have started our shoe company, Larroudé. But we didn't know a thing at the time, which probably helped us.”

— Marina Larroudé, Co-founder and Creative Director, Larroudé

“Larroudé is like our third child. We maintain our relationship, but there's no life outside work. If we're on a dinner date, we're talking about the company. It's very efficient for the business.”

— Marina Larroudé, Co-founder and Creative Director, Larroudé

What’s next

The Larroudés plan to continue growing Larroudé and expanding the brand's reach, while also focusing on providing job opportunities and financial security to more families.

The takeaway

The Larroudés' story demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be a path to financial stability and success, even in the face of unexpected job loss. Their ability to turn a layoff into a thriving multimillion-dollar business highlights the power of resilience, creativity, and a willingness to take risks when traditional employment options disappear.