KATHRYN WILSON FOOTWEAR
Tell us about yourself and your business journey.
I launched the brand in 2003 once I had graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Fashion but a love of shoes… I was determined to become a shoe designer In NZ from about 15 years old and applied for scholarships to study and sample my first designs here in NZ. We now supply over 100 boutiques throughout NZ and online and have 4 flagship retail stores with an ever-growing online market.
What made you get into business?
Having a passion for the product and wanting to design and manufacture innovative shoes that made women feel great when wearing them.
How do you deal with adversity?
Mistakes are the best way to learn… and the quickest! It is great to have support from people around you - advisors or contractors who have experience and learnings they can apply to your business when things don’t go your way. I find the best approach is to slow down / stop and break up the large scale problem into smaller problems that can be corrected or attended to easily.
What are your top tips for other woman wanting to get into business?
Don’t wait… do it now, do what makes you happy, enjoy the ride, surround yourself with ‘big-thinking’ people who inspire you and fill your cup
Whats your advice for someone struggling in business right now?
Chin-up, Kia Kaha, seek advice from experts and push through the hard times… its worth it when you reach the other side!
Top tips to stay motivated?
Make time to be with loved ones, be outside in the fresh air, read books and listen to pod casts that inspire you… watch movies, listen to music, laugh as much as possible, be optimistic
What are your future plans for your business?
We are focusing on growing our ecommerce customer base globally and nurturing our local NZ customer by engaging with them through catwalk activations and instore experiences throughout NZ. We have expansion plans to open retail stores outside of Auckland in the next 12 months which is exciting!
Words that you live by?
Choose a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life, do what makes you happy
Did covid-19 affect your business at all and if so how did you adapt or pivot?
Yes, greatly.. it was scary at first, not knowing the impact for NZ brands and retail, we have fortunately had incredible support from customers who have brought local brands and spent money here in NZ without being able to travel and buy clothing and shoes overseas. Our online store became a priority for us which will remain our focus going forward.
Whats something you wish you could tell your younger self?
Everything will all work out the way it was meant to… work hard and the results will be worth it.