At the last LG Fashion Week I was fortunate to meet Hailey Coleman, Creator and President of Damn Heels Inc. Hailey's company created a product line that has great potential within the shoe industry. As a company that is still in the growth stages, I thought it would be interesting to appreciate the practical journey of an emerging Canadian company in the fashion industry. I hope you enjoy our interview below:
1. Tell me about your product and how you came up with the idea?
After one excruciatingly painful, hour-long post-party walk home in London, England, I decided that walking the streets barefoot was a faux pas that could – and needed – to be prevented. Damn Heels has introduced sexy, fold-up flats tucked into a small pouch that expands into a trendy tote bag. Women slip their sore, blistered feet into the soft-sided flats and their stilettos into the tote.
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| The shoes and tote come pre-packaged |
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| The shoes pack up nice |
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| The shoes come in a variety of sizes |
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| The package folds out into a handy-dandy tote to take your "damn" shoes home. |
2. Do you have a target audience in mind? What is your strategy to reach them?
Damn Heels is targeting hip, urban, professional women. We’re looking to reach these ladies in unique ways other than the average shoe store.www.damnheels.com.
3. As an emerging designer and business owner, what were the significant or most surprising challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
I don’t know if anything was surprising because everything was so new to me. Every step has been a challenge and most importantly a learning experience.
4. What kind of financial, business or support resources/services were available to you either through the government or the fashion industry? How did they help you?
There are many business plan competitions that offer cash prizes. I’m also working with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation that has some fabulous resources for young entrepreneurs. I think the greatest thing for me has been reaching out to people who have been in the business or other similar industries for advise.
5. You were quite successful on Dragon’s Den. Tell us about that experience.
Dragons’ Den was a fabulous experience and offered really great exposure for Damn Heels not only in Canada, but internationally as well.
6. Do you have other projects lined up? Tell us about them.
I’ve started another company called Damn Straight. We’re installing coin operated hair straighteners in women’s washroom. Ladies no longer have to lug the hair straightener to the gym or can give themselves a little touch up at the bar. I’ve got a few other things tucked up my sleeves, but you’ll have to wait and see.
7. As your business grows, are you focusing on the Canadian market or looking abroad? Why?
I’m not only focused on Canada. The world is rather small and there is awesome opportunity everywhere.
8. What has surprised you the most about your journey to success?
The most incredible part of starting Damn Heels is all the amazing experiences and people I’ve had the opportunity to meet.
9. From creating to manufacturing to marketing and, finally, sales – what has been the most interesting aspect of the business and why? Which has been the most challenging?
I find the design and the marketing the most exciting part. Sales are not my forte, but I’m working on it.
10. What advice would you give the emerging designer?
I have a few things that I live by: Do it! Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Put yourself out there.
10. What advice would you give the emerging designer?
I have a few things that I live by: Do it! Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Put yourself out there.
11. Where can we find your product line?
Ladies can purchase Damn Heels online and view our retailers at www.damnheels.com.
Ladies can purchase Damn Heels online and view our retailers at www.damnheels.com.