I am always one to recognize an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty AND is excited about their work. I was introduced to Kristy who works for Lane International  the parent company of GeeWaWa  by Jim Barnier who I met in NY and posted about a couple months back. Jim referred her to me because I wanted to get them involved with my last fashion show. I received this bubbly energetic email from Kristy and then after speaking to her on the phone realized that her personality had come through via email right on point. She was quick to make everything we need to happen, happen and I know for a fact that she will have a successful career in any industry but especially footwear if she keeps this up!  Kristy is one of those people that reminds me of why I love what I do. I encounter a lot of people and some are good and some are great but Kristy is EXCEPTIONAL! I asked her to send me a little about what she does and how she got her start in the footwear industry and so here it goes:

I got into fashion sort of by accident. My dad had a long time friend who ran several clothing stores. I needed job so they hired me as a manager. I started doing store displays; it seemed to really help business. That and I loved to make people happy. I liked to pretend I was Stacy Clinton! I was by no means an expert but the satisfaction of finding a cute outfit for someone and decorating a store front was my drug. After a few years my parents started their own boutique and I continued managing that. It was going well but my art roots were calling loud! I had always wanted to do graphic design and marketing. We decided it was best for us all if I went off to find a new path to further my career. I started job hunting and happened upon a shoe manufacturer that was looking for a reception/ceo assistant.

Kristy quickly whipped up this cool flyer for my event! She is talented.

I thought it would be a good place to start so I applied and got the job. After a few months, I started making little flyers, brochures, and offering to help put line sheets together. My knowledge with photo shop and other graphic programs helped me produce the materials we needed faster and more professionally. From then on it was decided that I was to be the in house graphic designer with a splash of marketing on the side.  Since then I have been growing and learning project  by project. I’m responsible for the catalogues, line sheets, other promotional materials, product photography, sample coordination and ordering, web master and PR projects. I’m also attending school to get my degree in graphic and web design. -Kristy

Another cool example of Kristy’s work!

I am sure you will hear more about Kristy here on Shoebizness and I certainly hope I have the opportunity to continue working with her!! I am happy she made it into the industry and I hope we get to keep her!! BTW-She is a great designer!!