After years working with some of the big names in fashion, Tina Aldatz-Norris was ready to step out on her own -- and in so doing has helped make women worldwide more comfortable in their shoes.
TheShoeGoddess.net spoke with Tina as the new year got underway. Here's our exclusive interview:
Do you have any New Year's resolutions that you would like to share?
For every new pair of shoes I buy, I must get rid of one first – I plan to focus on quality rather than quantity!
What can we expect to see (and feel!) from Footpetals in the new year?
Amazing Arches (for instant arch support, especially great with flats) and Scented Killer Kushionz- our best selling killer Kushionz infused with lavender fragrance!
What was the biggest obstacle to your success thus far? How did you overcome it?
So far our biggest obstacle has been handling the growth. We never want to let our customers down, so it has been very important to find the right partners. I am so lucky because my business partner is also my best friend- we have a level of trust and friendship that makes working hard fun!
I was browsing your site a few days ago and saw some of your new products... The new slippers especially caught my attention. So chic and fashionable at a great price! What prompted you to take the next step and move from accessories to your own shoe line?
I have always designed products that I want for myself. I believe that if I am looking for something, chances are that my customers are looking for the same thing. I love slippers, but many styles are so big and bulky – I just wanted something that I could wear & be comfortable, but still look cool. I also wanted something that I could run outside to grab the paper in and not ruin the bottoms. Our new Spalux slippers have been great!
Catch the other half of this interview after the jump!
As your concept was progressing into a reality ... and you were in meetings and making deals in smokey boardrooms, how, if at all, did the fact you're a woman affect your reception?
It’s ironic, but believe it or not the shoe business is primarily run by middle aged men – they are often referred to as “Shoe Dogs”. At first, we were laughed at and asked “why would we sell something that we give away?” – We suggested that they take the samples home to their wives and give them to their staff...we always got calls back!
You are an example of a business that doesn't have a "brick and mortar" foundation. Any plans to have a boutique someday?
I have often thought about opening shops & I think it could be great….never say never…time will tell.
Footpetals' look and feel evokes a youthful whimsy and appears to be targeting a younger, spirited customer; But your product seems to have a much broader appeal, reaching into all age groups. Is this something you expected, planned?
I design Foot Petals products purposely to fit all types of shoes and appeal to all types of women – I often use my own family as an example, I have a 17 year old sister, myself, and I always try the products out on my mom!
You knew your idea was a winning one -- but when did you realize it was going to be a big hit? Did you ever expect your endeavor to go this far?
I have always thought big…as you know I have worked for great big companies like Victoria’s Secret & BCBG Max Azria - I have learned from the masters. At first, people thought I was crazy and would say...”You have to sell a million of those little things to make any money!" I would say “Of course…that’s the plan.”
As a follow-up, having thought about your expectations versus today's reality, are you still dreaming big? Have you accomplished what you set out to do?
Not even close, I’m just getting started!
TheShoeGoddess.net would like to Thank Tina for taking the time away from her busy schedule to share her thoughts and to get to know her and Foot Petals better! On a side note, Foot Petals is one of the major show sponsors for The Collections at WSA being held this month in Las Vegas.
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