From Running Shoes to Radical Sustainability: How Blumaka’s Stuart Jenkins Is Reinventing Performance and Purpose
The Running Wine Mom · Samantha Cieslinski, Stuart Jenkins
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Show Notes
In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha Cieslinski sits down with legendary footwear innovator Stuart Jenkins, founder and CEO of Blumaka and creator of Flex Footwear
.
From running the Boston Marathon before there were mile markers to helping brands like HOKA, UGG, and Reebok transform the way we move, Stuart’s story is equal parts grit, vision, and innovation.
Samantha and Stuart swap stories about running, motherhood, and mindset—exploring what it takes to believe in an idea when no one else does. They dive deep into:
- How 94 companies said no before Reebok said yes
- The invention of air-cushioned soles before Nike Air
- Why sustainability and performance must coexist
- How Blumaka turns 85 percent recycled foam waste into insoles that outperform the originals
- What it meant for Oprah Winfrey to name Flex Footwear one of her Favorite Things of 2024
- And why every marathon—and every dream—starts with one brave step forward
It’s an inspiring, soulful, and surprisingly funny conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the simple joy of lacing up and moving forward.
Guest Links
- 🌍 Blumaka Website → https://blumaka.com CODE: TRWM
- 👟 Flex Footwear → https://fleksfootwear.com
- 📸 Follow Stuart Jenkins → @blumakaofficial
Host Links
- 🎙 The Running Wine Mom Podcast → Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- 🍷 Follow Samantha Cieslinski → Instagram @therunningwinemom_
- 💌 Join the Community → therunningwinemom.substack.com
Timestamps
00:00 Intro – Meet Stuart Jenkins
02:00 Wine, Whine & Win of the Week
08:30 Oprah’s Favorite Things Feature & the Power of Vision Boards
14:00 From Cattle Ranch to Olympic Trials Runner
25:00 Blumaka’s Mission: Turning Foam Waste into Performance Innovation
35:00 Why Ins oles Matter More Than You Think
41:00 What It Takes to Keep Going After 94 Rejections
52:00 Stuart’s Final Advice for Dreamers and Creators
54:30 Outro – “There Is No Finish Line.”
Pull Quote for Promotion
“Seek to solve a big problem, and solve it fiercely and collaboratively. Don’t do it to get rich—do it because the world needs it.” — Stuart Jenkins