Jen+Kim Shoes: Our Story, by Kim Dingman
by JULIA
Sin, by Kim + Jen Shoes
Kim Dingman contacted me a few weeks ago through the info@shoebizness.com email address and unfortunately at the time I was bad at checking it. Thankfully now we have Jorge the Intern keeping an eye on it so we don’t miss anything again. Kim and her partner Jen have such a cool concept. They offer women a way to take a shoe they love and make it their own! I also absolutely love the fact that the shoes are made here in the US and helps to support our local cobblers and eventually factories….plus the shoes are gorgeous and you can tell they are very well made. I would be proud to rock these designs anywhere I go! I expect to see this line do very well and am looking forward to helping them gain notoriety however I can. When I spoke with Kim it was like we were instant friends and her energy and passion came through the phone. I am happy to have made the connection!! Watch out for these two!! 
Jen + Kim Shoes: Our Story
It starts in NY (where both Jen and Kim are from) with the idea of creating custom shoes. Upon further research the partnership discovered that domestic manufacturing was in fact happening in Los Angeles. So we packed up what we had and drove across the country. Further knowledge was necessary to successfully start our line. So Jen started to merchandise and sell for some big shoe names on the West Coast while I went to FIDM LA and learned the ins and outs of design and production.
Custom Parties: We bring the current collection (which consists of 15 styles) to the hosted venue along with a wide range of leathers, vintage fabrics and exotic animal skins and the guests choose how they want to build their shoes. We measure and trace each buyer’s foot when the order is placed for accurate fit and in 4-6 weeks the custom beauties are delivered. This service is great for brides and their bridal parties as the options are limitless. We can buy the materials right off the roll that their dresses are being made from and give the party truly matching shoes rather than those that need to be dyed.
Manufacturing: Currently, the entire collection is made by one exquisite cobbler in Los Angeles. As the company continues to grow however, we have numerous outlets in the LA area who also manufacture shoes that we plan to utilize. It is a great passion of our company that we keep things local and employ the great artisans next door to build our customers creations. The hand carved wood, the locally molded units, our leathers and vintage fabrics are all bought from American suppliers.
Cece…They look so comfortable!!
Our next venture: The world of retail Contact us if you are interested in carrying the line. Otherwise stay tuned for the first selection of boutiques to carry Jen + Kim Shoes.
-Kim
Jenny Pimentel :
I LOVE the custom parties idea!! Brilliant & the answer to many a shoe lover’s dream – custom made shoes and a great price!
Best of luck ladies!
Kim :
Thanks Jenny! We’re trying to make our way to Miami so let us know if you know anyone (or would like to yourself) host a shoe party…..
In the meantime, all styles can be ordered directly through me if you can’t live without a pair until then
xoxo
Kim
Meghan Hough :
These shoes are a definate must, can’t live without nessessity. The first time I placed these beautiful works of art on my feet, I honestly thought I was walking on a cloud. Besides the fact that they are comfortable, they are an absolute eye catcher. As soon as you own your own pair you’ll see. People we’ll be asking where you got them, and you can say with confidence that they are one of a kind.
Great job girls. I’m very proud of all you do.
Jen+Kim – NYC Debut Shoe Party « shoebizness.com :
[...] I am back in Miami attempting to take in all that my trip to NYC had to offer last week. It certainly was an interesting trip and I had a great time! One of the highlights was the opportunity to observe a Jen + Kim custom shoe party in action. Lucky for me, they just happened to throw their first party in New York the same week I was going to be there. In case you don’t recall the previous posting contributed by Kim Dingman describing what they do, please check it out here. [...]
