Al Rivera from Brown Shoe and I have a tradition that he makes an appearance here on Shoebizness so I had to give him the top spot….haha…He is always fun to see and catch up with!!

As some of you know, I recently made a big career jump and am pursuing what I love to do rather than what I think will pay the bills…It’s been an amazing journey since I made that move close to a month ago….full of exciting growth and realizations everywhere I turn followed by the occasional freak out, but thanks to a strong sense of what’s right for me those don’t last long. haha -  So as I made my way to the FFANY show last week it was with a curiosity of how I will see the footwear industry playing a role in my new creative career. In the past I have felt the need to talk to as many people as possible – pass out cards – make new friends and share everything. This time was different because I was evaluating what I love about the industry so I can focus my efforts with Shoebizness that direction and find the balance between it and my career……well after only a few minutes of walking into the Brown Shoe offices and seeing one of my favorite people in the whole world, Lori DeStefano,  I knew instantly what I love about the shoe industry…..THE PEOPLE!!!  I haven’t seen anyone really over the past six months because I have been so busy but as I ran into friends, it was like time had stood still and the warm and loving reception I received reminded me of what I fell in love with in the first place.  I do like my shoes…don’t get me wrong, but they are not what I love about the industry! So I found myself relaxed and allowed myself to just enjoy catching up with my friends and let meeting new people happen naturally and it did!

I believe it’s always refreshing to put down our guard and to allow ourselves to feel what we feel naturally and make decisions based on that. So as I am working to find the proper direction for Shoebizness over the next few months….my hope and desire is to have it be a site that belongs to everyone in the industry that anyone can contribute to. It’s not about making money because I didn’t start it for that reason….I started it so that there could be a place for people to learn from others and share with others.   So what I will be contributing as I go along my way will be whatever I feel like sharing and I hope that you all will do that as well! I am really hoping that more people come forward like Ken has and make Shoebizness their own platform to speak, share and make connections….Ken is just as much an owner of this site as I am and I love that!!

So please email Ken or myself if you have something to say or share! julia@shoebizness.com  or ken@twigfootwear.com  – We want to hear from you!!

Here are a few pics of some of my pals that I bumped into….although there were many many more!! I love it! : )

Sheena!!! Back from having a baby named Oliver and looking awesome!!! : )

One could only call Peggy Meill – President of Two Ten an inspirational human being….I am honored to call her a friend and love seeing her!

Me and Geoff Green VP of Talent for Brown Shoe – Certainly a great friend! I have learned a lot from this guy! One thing specifically is that silence is better than speaking negatively about someone ALWAYS. I respect this trait so much! : )

Apparently we missed each other! Gina Nigido from Stuart Weitzman – forever in my heart since she rescued me and my doggies off the streets one Saturday morning when I was locked out of my apt without my phone or purse. It turned into an unexpected super fun day!

Tara Bodt from Robert Wayne and me in the lobby at the Hilton – Tara is always encouraging and has been a contributor here on Shoebizness as well….she tells me she has more to share, so yay!!! : )