Here at Shop Me Chic, we are all for chasing your dreams and making them reality. That’s exactly what Candy from KeilanaSkye Shoes did – leaving her career in IT to pursue her love of fashion, in particular shoes. Candy is one savvy businesswoman, taking everything she (and every other woman out there) didn’t like about shoes and creating beautiful, stylish shoes that are actually comfortable. What a concept! We had a chat with Candy to find out more…
Your website says “a feminine edge meets comfort” – what makes KeilanaSkye shoes comfortable?
Firstly, I design my heels and wedges with platforms to lower the net heel height. This means the foot is on less of an angle, which lessens the strain on the foot, the calf muscle, knees and hips. It does help your entire body balance better as well. You’re more inclined to tilt forwards when wearing stilettos without any platforms. When wearing heels, it’s generally the ‘ball of the foot’ that takes the brunt of it; so I add padding and cushioning to the insoles and under the ball of the foot. Functionality and practicality play a huge part in it as well. A lot of women can’t fit standard pumps properly, so I design heels and wedges with adjustable slingbacks and ankle straps, anklets, lace ups and ankle boots, as a way to help secure the shoe to the foot. When the shoe is secured to your foot properly, it lessens the strain on your toes, as women tend to clench and strain their toes to keep their heels on their feet. This makes them easier to walk in as well. The materials used also play a part; leather is breathable and molds to the wearers foot shape. If you’re wearing heels that you don’t wear socks with, you need breathable materials inside the shoe (the lining, insole and sock), otherwise your feet will continually sweat and blister. I love the look of a high heel, so I try to maximize comfort, without loosing the high heel aspect.
Where did you draw your inspiration from for the new collection, ‘The Carter Collection, Wish You Were Here – Part II’?
The name of my collection is a tribute to a young family member. Design wise, my ideas were drawn from all around me; on the street, in magazines, some designs have been in my head for a while and it just needed perfecting and sometimes it happens by chance. If I fall in love in with a colour or a material, then I’ll use it. I did want to build on top of my previous collection, using more colour and detail. I made sure this collection had a selection of bold and neutral colours, as well as textured prints, while maintaining my own style; a feminine edge.
You debuted at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this year. What was that experience like?
It’s a lot of work; from weeks beforehand till weeks after. But it’s fantastic. I met a lot of great people, saw a lot of amazing designs (and models) and it has opened a lot of doors for me. Being my debut, it was a huge learning curve, so next time I’ll know exactly what to do.
Which celebrities would you love to see wearing a pair of KeilanaSkye heels?
I’d love to see any woman in KeilanaSkye shoes. Just seeing a woman on the street or out at dinner in my shoes, would really make my day. I’d definitely get my camera out.
What advice would you have for a woman wanting to start up her own company?
Be patient, be realistic and don’t give up. I say this to a lot of people! Be prepared to put in the hours and stick to your guns. You’re the only person who knows what’s ‘in your head’, so trust your own instincts, but do ask for advice when you need it. Most of all, do something different and have a niche. If you do the same as everyone else, it increases your competition. Expand and grow slowly and if you can, stay away from the banks. So many businesses end up in too much debt and go into receivership. You can start off small and grow on a small budget.
Here are the KeilanaSkye shoes we have our eyes on:
1. Summer Cutout Pump in Burnt Coral ($269.00)
2. Carter Flat in Metallic Leopard Print ($199.00)
Check out the entire range of The Carter Collection, Wish You Were Here – Part II from KeilanaSkye Shoes on their website, follow them on Twitter and ‘like’ KeilanaSkye Shoes on Facebook.
You could win yourself a $100 voucher to spend at KeilanaSkye shoes by entering our Birthday Bonanza giveaway. Come on over and tell us: How do you spoil yourself on your birthday?
Are you a shoe lover? Which shoe from KeilanaSkye’s latest collection do you have your eye on?
Stay Chic,
Melinda & Sonia. xx
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