Yvonne

Growing up I’ve always loved shoes. To me, an outfit is never complete without the right pair of shoes. Shoes weren’t just accessories - wearing fun and colorful footwear is how I expressed my individuality. I gravitated toward bold, colorful, playful designs that allowed me to stand out from the crowd.

After working many years in the New York fashion industry, I noticed a gap in the market. Many shoes lacked personality, creativity, and comfort. I grew tired of sacrificing style for support, or support for style. In addition, after years of wearing uncomfortable shoes and running long distances, I developed plantar fasciitis and bunions in my late thirties—making it nearly impossible to continue wearing heels and pointed shoes.

That frustration became my turning point.

In 2018, I began learning shoemaking. I started prototyping my own designs—snake print sandals, leopard stilettos, golden mules, glitter sneakers—each one a reflection of my bold fashion sense and desire for comfort.

My first collection was born from personal need: I wanted shoes that looked amazing but felt even more comfortable—ones I could wear all day, from morning meetings to dinner with friends. I wanted other women to feel the same joy, confidence, and freedom.

In 2022, I received my first Kiva loan, which helped me create my capsule collection and produce pre-production samples with a factory partner. I also launched a small line of hand-embellished shoes on Etsy, which allowed me to start generating revenue.

Now, after years of hard work and persistence, I’ve placed my first production order.

This next Kiva loan will help me take the next big step: launching a marketing campaign to grow brand awareness and reach new customers. I’ll also use part of the funds to expand my product assortment, so I can offer even more beautiful, versatile, and comfortable footwear.

Thank you for helping bring my dream to life—and for supporting women who dare to build something of their own, one step at a time.