The document proposes a presentation at a venue to showcase an idea and product. The presenter has lived a barefoot lifestyle for health reasons and developed a "flip top" product that resembles a flip flop but allows the wearer to go barefoot discreetly in public. The presentation will discuss the health benefits of being barefoot, dispel myths about risks, and explain how the flip top product addresses social stigma by disguising one's barefoot state. The presenter seeks funding through the venue to further develop and launch the patent-pending flip top and help educate others about barefoot acceptance.

1. VENUE PRESENTATION:
MY GOAL IS TO SECURE A SPACE IN
YOUR VENUE BY DEMONSTRATING THE
IDEA I WOULD LIKE TO SHOWCASE AT
ONE SPARK
o
Hi, my name is John Schlier. I have been in Jacksonville since
1994 and have lived in Florida since 1983. One of the main
reasons I moved to Florida is because I had health issues that
required me to be barefoot.
o
I do have a corporate job where I were shoes, but otherwise I
am almost always barefoot.
o
On a personal note, my wife and I have volunteered for a local
animal rescue group for the past 5 years. We pull from high kill
shelters and have adopted out over 2,500 dogs and cats.
o
The time I devote has earned me a Presidential service award 4
years running, and more importantly the delight of being able to
make a small difference.

2. 
Having been a barefooter most of my life I have
experienced discrimination based on the many myths and
social stigma’s surrounding going barefoot.

I have developed a solution that has been a life changing
experience for me and my goal is to help educate others
why it is so important to be barefoot, at least some of the
time. I want to help other people have the opportunities I
have been able to realize.

In this presentation I will only skim the surface of why it is
important to go barefoot, and then provide insight on how
my solution has helped me.

3. First a brief description of why it is beneficial to your health to be
barefoot.

Earthing – This is the concept about how it is important to be
grounded. That it provides a wealth of anti oxidants to combat free
radicals, along with other health benefits.

When I first heard about this concept I have to admit I was very
skeptical. After further research I now feel Earthing is actually one of
the most vital reasons to be barefoot.

"Earthing ranks right up there with the discovery of penicillin."—Ann
Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

http://www.unikeyhealth.com/earthing

The above quote is from a PhD on this site. This statement is not an
anomaly. There are countless serious studies by reputable sources.
Just google ―Earthing Barefoot‖ and make your own judgments.

4. Having done extensive research I could go on and on
for all the other reasons to go barefoot. Instead I will
just provide this one link below.
http://www.barefootkc.com/benefits.html

5. Are there risks associated with going Barefoot??

Of course there are, there are risks in every single thing we do
in life.

The reasons not to go barefoot have been greatly overstated
in our society. More and more evidence points to just how
detrimental shoes can be to our overall health.

In addition there are many myths surrounding the subject.
Some Myths Dispelled:



It is not against the law to go barefoot into any kind of
establishment including restaurants.
It is also not against any health department regulation.
It is not against the law to drive barefoot.

6. Social Acceptance:

This is where my solution comes into play.

Regardless of the health benefits, and myths, the biggest
challenge with going barefoot is the Social stigma.

Some of the first things that come to peoples minds are:
You’re a hippy, or homeless, and you must have a mental
disorder.

Fortunately this is not a perception held around the world. In
some parts of New Zealand and Australia it is quite common
and accepted to be barefoot in public. It is also becoming
more acceptable to be barefoot in places like Italy, Germany,
and the UK.

7. 
Some examples of Australia and New Zealand

8. Even in Schools, Museums,
Or just about anywhere!!

9. Here is a photo of my product:
o It resembles a flip flop when on. There is
absolutely no bottom and it attaches directly to
a pair of jeans with Velcro. It is secured in
the front under the big toe and second toe with
a small soft foam strip.
o I have worn them for over 10 months now in
many public places. Before these I would
have certainty had several confrontations
based on my past experiences. I can honestly
say that I have had zero negative encounters
during this time.
o It has been amazing how few people even
notice. I have come to realize that most
people see what they expect to see.
o Since I am still completely barefoot a few (and
I mean very few) people have appeared to
notice. The reaction is more curiosity and
people seem comfortable, instead of hostile
and defensive.

10. Introducing Flip
Tops, and the
many options they
present.
Wear them to emulate the look of a flip flop. Tuck them into your pants leg where
they stay out of the way until you want to use them again. You can now go
barefoot or put on shoes if you need to. They Velcro on and off so they can be
moved to another pair of jeans or replaced with another Flip Top style.

11. o My goal at One Spark is to network with people experienced in
launching a product. I have obtained a patent pending status, and I
am looking to obtain funding to help cover the cost of securing an
actual patent. I already have vendors that are respected in the
barefoot community that are willing to help launch my product and I
can leverage their resources to move forward.
o To me success will be if I can help to dispel the many false
perceptions and show people just what a benefit a barefoot or even
partially barefoot lifestyle can be.
o Whether this is for you or not, please consider that there are many
miss perceptions, and even in our modern world this is an area
where baseless discrimination still exists.
o I would also say that I conduct my life in a professional manner. I
would like the opportunity to express my position, but I am very
respectful of the beliefs of others. My many years of volunteering in
pet rescue has helped me to be able to interact with the general
public in a positive way.

12. Conclusion:
Thank you for your time in reviewing my proposal. I hope to secure a
space in your venue and feel I can provide a unique and interesting
presentation at One Spark. I would only require a small space, maybe 6
to 8 feet to have a table.
Here are a couple of additional sites for more information
http://www.barefootalliance.org/
http://www.barefooters.org/
http://www.thebarefootbook.com/