Shoe Designer Launches First Line

Now that you've actually premiered your first collection, what's a typical day like?

At the moment I'm looking for stockists so that's taking up most of my day.

I'm not a Sales person. I find making the initial call hard and if I get a negative response I find the second call even harder!

Some people I've spoken to don't believe me when I say I've designed my own range of shoes, so as an unknown they are not interested in stocking them.

But on the other hand, some people have been fantastic -- giving me loads of advice, suggesting shops I should call, and as a result of those people, I've sourced 4 boutiques that are willing to take a few pairs to see how they go, and another interested in stocking 2 of my forthcoming designs.

I've also got someone who is opening a new shoe shop at the end of this year who wants to stock my shoes.

I've also got a photo shoot lined up for a bridal magazine which will include "Jessica" and "Diana," so that's great, as it will get me some exposure.

I'm also spending a lot of time calling to large businesses in the area with flyers promoting my website.

The shoes haven't been individually boxed yet so as orders come in that needs to be done.

I've also been encouraging customers to leave a review for the shoes they've bought hoping that this will assist future customers in making their decision on whether to buy or not.

I'm also working on promo ideas for future dates such as Valentines, Easter, St. Patrick's Day etc., and anyone who has signed up for my Newsletter will get updates on these.

What makes your shoes special?

I've produced shoes with a unique look that are second to none in quality, and very affordable.

Each shoe has a prominent padded insole, so the frequent wearer of high heels can wave goodbye to "Party Feet."

Each pair has only a small production run, therefore ensuring near exclusivity for the wearer.

I'm trying not to get tied into the whole fashion industry's penchant for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections. I'm looking to design classic shoes. Shoes that can be worn 8-9 months of the year. Shoes that can be worn for years and not just as part of a fashion trend.

I want to create shoes that women will want to wear, ones that they will keep reaching in their wardrobe for, ones that will work.

I'm striving to provide the best for my customers.

I'm starting small with only 5 styles, but hoping to build on that for the next collection and I'm currently working on that range.

Knowing what you know today, would you do it all again?

Sure. It's been slow, difficult, and sometimes frustrating, but I think if I didn't do it, I'd never know if it would be a success or not.

Am I jumping in at the deep end?

Probably. But I hope there's a really big life jacket out there for me.

As the saying goes: It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth living.

So, what's next?

I've been asked by customers if I'll be doing a bag range to match some of the shoes. That's something I will definitely consider down the road but not now.

On the other hand though, I do have a supplier sourced who can dye an existing range of bags to match "Jessica" and "Diana," so if anyone needed bags to match them, then yes that's already possible.

I need to build up a solid and loyal customer base first before I expand this area any further.

But with regards to shoe styles, I will be introducing wedges, espadrilles, platforms and flats to the range.

I've also been asked to do a once off pair of wedding shoes and they are currently in production. If more inquiries come in for wedding shoes then I may consider doing a range.

Where can we find your shoes? (Do you ship internationally, etc.)

At the moment you can find my shoes online at www.loveyourshoes.ie.

Once I have a list of stockists it will appear on my website also.

We ship internationally and shipping rates can be found online. Once you select the shoe you like go to checkout and there's a shipping estimator.

Be sure to check out this photo gallery for images of Mary's creations, or visit www.LoveYourShoes.ie for more information.