We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Roth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Jennifer, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Shoes changed my life. I’ve always loved shoes, but it wasn’t until getting the question “what’s your name again?” that my life path would be altered forever. It all started when I went to a networking event one night. Normally these events are the WORST, but this night was particularly good. I met this group of people and we were really vibing, but when we got to saying our goodbyes they all looked at me and asked “what’s your name again?” My heart sank. We had just been besties for the last three hours and not one person remembered my name. I felt completely invisible.
I immediately thought, if I was wearing a pair of J shaped heels, you would remember that my name is Jenn. I want to be memorable.
I came home and got to work searching for J shaped heels! Researching customized footwear that showcases your name, your initials, your message. I wanted shoes to be remembered by, and nothing existed. So I decided to build J shaped shoes myself. I started taking apart heels, LITERALLY sawing heels off of hundreds of pairs of shoes! I studied heel construction and set out to create a custom design that also provided extra comfort through arch and heel support. After obtaining 3 United States PATENTS for my comfortable and custom designs, I decided to start a shoe company named KiraKira Couture.
Granted, I ultimately decided the launch my line with “F” and “U” instead of “J”, but we’ll get there!
To me, “F” and “U” means Fiercely Undaunted. Initially my goal creating footwear was focused on creating something memorable. As I began creating the Fiercely Undaunted collection, I discovered that I also found my voice through that process. Shoes are my superpower. I use my shoes as an anchor, they are my superhero cape. I put them on and they help me feel confident and powerful and strong. No matter the challenge, I can achieve anything as long as I take that first step.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi, my name is Jenn and I am a shoeista shoeaholic! Literally. For me, waking up and putting on something that makes me feel beautiful is a big part of making me feel confident throughout the day, and choosing the perfect shoe is absolutely essential. As everyone knows, the right shoe can make or break any outfit!
My company is KiraKira Couture and our shoe designs are elevating fashion for every woman! All we want is for women to love their shoes AND be able to wear them! I mean, how many pairs of shoes do you own that never make it out of your closet? You love them but you can’t wear them, yet you can’t NOT have them.
Combining style and comfort is our number one priority in every KiraKira Couture shoe design. We want our customers to ALWAYS feel beautiful, so our innovation comes via our patented and uniquely constructed heel design that provides amazing support and comfort. Our shoe collections are available at our e-commerce store and will be in select stores this summer!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
With limited business experience, no background in fashion and not a single contact in the industry, it was extremely challenging trying to make this dream a reality. From constantly hearing the word “no” to quite literally not knowing what my next step should be at so many points in the process, I am incredibly proud that I was able to manifest this dream into reality!
After creating my prototypes, I met with every manufacturer that would take a meeting with me (mostly owned by men) but no one took KiraKira Couture’s unique heel design seriously at first. I had a patented design that provided a more comfortable heel option by offering extra support for the arch and heel of your foot, but no one wanted to change the construction of how a high heel shoe was made. I was met with constant rejection and it certainly took a toll on my spirits. I had to rely on maintaining my fiercely undaunted state of mind, trusting my instincts and believing in the value and benefit my product brought to women. Eventually I met a manufacturer whose wife happened to be at the office that day. The owner’s wife agreed to try the shoe on and within seconds she was convincing her husband that this was a shoe he needed to make!
As a fashion outsider, what I didn’t know turned out to be my greatest asset. Not knowing the way things “should” be done allowed me to be innovative, and disruptive, and break the status quo. And I was able to invent something new in the process!
KiraKira Couture recently celebrated it’s 1 year anniversary and the main challenge we are facing is getting the word out. It’s hard launching a new shoe line because no one knows about us! Our dream is to see people all over the world feel beautiful while wearing their KiraKira Couture shoes and that is our daily motivation.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kirakiracouture.com
- Instagram: Kirakiracouture
- Facebook: Kirakiracouture
- Linkedin: Kirakiracouture
- Twitter: Kirakiracouture
- Other: TikTok: @kirakiracouture
Image Credits
Viktoria Sirakova
