Life is made of unexpected moments. Meeting with Kevin at a Starbucks coffee in Central Paris was one of them.

Passionate, dreamer, humble and simple, he isn’t your typical business school graduate. Holstee admirer, Seth Godin reader, firm believer and traveler at heart, he isn’t your typical French guy. Because it’s rare to meet people hoping to make the world a better place, I always feel privileged when I get to meet one.

I could start Kevin’s story by telling you that he just graduated from a well-known business school, lives in Paris, enjoys fashion or that he is moving to Berlin in the fall.  I could continue by saying that he likes biking on the roads of South of France, was born in Paris but grew up in Lyon, doesn’t like the business school spirit or only sleeps few hours per night.

But I won’t.

I believe that we are defined by our values, our dreams and our ability to hold onto them through the life-storms. Background, social environment, money, studies, physical appearance, clothes or location don’t mean much if you don’t have strong beliefs to live by. When everything will be gone, they will be the only treasures you’ve got left.

While living and working in Singapore, Kevin realized that the fashion industry was causing more harm than good in the countries where the clothes were manufactured. Back in France few months later, he decided to create a business with two friends, Harold and Tristan, that would have a positive impact for the people who are making them and for the environment we live in.

He would sell clothes with a story.

More than a concept-store, Ben & Fakto offers clothes and accessories that are made in a sustainable way and have meaning for people who buy them. Organic cotton, pure made in France or eco-friendly, this online boutique only introduces you to brands that align with their personal values. Ben & Fakto is the concretisation of hard work, strong beliefs and bold moves.

The journey to get there hasn’t been easy but I guess things worth in life never are. Working as a waiter and night-watchman while building Ben & Fakto, Kevin is the living proof that we can achieve whatever we want once we set our mind to. Too often we complain about our situation without even trying to change it, we became comfortable in a job that isn’t fulfilling, we settled in a relationship that isn’t meant to be, we chose a life that isn’t ours. Maybe it’s time to listen to our intuition and start acting on what really matters…

With perseverance and faith, we can make the impossible possible. With no money and few friends, we can make a dream come true. With passion and patience, we can make a difference.

Cheers to Kevin for living his dream and allowing us to be part of it.

Want more ? Connect with Kevin on Twitter @k7vin or on his online home.