Introduction & Background

• Brittany Weavers (Google Cloud Enterprise sales recruiter, NYC) interviews Salone Luna
• Salone: founder/creative behind color-inclusive nude shoe brand
• Previously: political PR, digital content for federal government/trade associations
• Started brand while working at student accessory boutique
• Celebrities wearing brand: Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer
• Comparison made: "Rihanna of shoe fashion industry"

Philosophy on Shoes & Fashion

• Shoes as essential outfit component - only part visible without mirror
• Looking down at feet sparks joy throughout day
• Builds wardrobe around shoes, not vice versa
• Nude shoes as "pedestal to celebrate any outfit/person"
• Foundation concept: like makeup base for great outfits
• Nude heels match "most important part of outfit" - the wearer
• Creates seamless leg silhouette, works with any color/print
• Versatile for fashionistas with bright colors or conservative dressers

Brand Origin & Market Gap

• 8-year development process from concept to launch
• Inspiration: retail job requiring nude heel recommendations to all customers
• Only sold one "nude" color - light bulb moment
• Personal need drove business idea
• Market gap: limited definition of nude (band-aid color/"one color fits all")
• 6 different colorways launched to address overlooked market segment
• Even today, searching "nude heel" returns single beige option

Development Challenges & Solutions

• Initial obstacle: over-planning business plan vs. actually making shoes
• Supply chain difficulties: no fashion industry connections
• Manufacturers unimpressed with email pitches/landing pages
• Required minimum order quantities with down payments
• Bootstrapping funding challenges
• Solution: moved to NYC to expand fashion network
• Conducted exploration trips for face-to-face meetings
• Personal relationships crucial when lacking established brand

Navigating Industry Pushback

• Consistent pushback from angel investors - "eyes would glaze over"
• Had to repeatedly tell story, maintain confidence in vision
• Suppliers didn't understand the problem being solved
• Factory miscommunications: requesting brown pantones, receiving cheetah print
• Assumption: "black women love these prints"
• Decision-makers unaffected by the problem = perceived lack of value
• Persistence required in explaining color inclusivity need

Manufacturing & Business Operations

• Future vision: more black ownership in manufacturing to avoid complications
• Wholesale vs. direct-to-consumer strategies
• Wholesale provides brand clout through specific retail doors
• Wholesale pricing allows retailer profit margins
• Upcoming Bloomingdale's partnership announced
• Current inventory: 3 styles × 6 colors × 6 sizes = 200+ specific products
• Inventory management complexity increases with size expansion

Size Inclusivity Challenges

• Daily emails requesting extended sizes (5.5 to 13.5)
• Next brand iteration: size inclusivity alongside color inclusivity
• Development obstacles: individual lasts required for each size
• Expensive development costs for extended size range
• Inventory management: exponential product SKU growth
• Plans include width options (narrow, standard, wide)
• Gender spectrum consideration for larger heel sizes
• Timeline: few seasons needed for profitable extended sizing

Shoe Comfort & Design Philosophy

• Wearability focus in nude heel design
• Well-balanced shoes with ball-of-foot support essential
• Added recessed platform under ball of foot in all designs
• Platform support increases comfort duration vs. direct ground contact
• Flat shoes best for high arches (more arch support)
• Any heel options suitable for flat feet (ball support priority)

Brand Expansion Plans

• Apparel line development underway
• Cross-section between style and utility as brand positioning
• Recently launched t-shirt with thoughtful skin-tone cutout
• Celebrates personal skin tone vs. covering/clothing wearer
• Pantone swatch inspiration: square cutout shows actual skin
• "What's more nude than showing your skin?"
• Future designs will celebrate wearer vs. traditional covering approach

Collaboration & Partnership Strategy

• Unethical for brands to suddenly create nude options after trending
• Brands offering single beige "nude" for seasons, then diversifying opportunistically
• Ethical approach: partner with existing inclusive brands like Salone
• Vision: collaborations with larger names at different price points
• Goal: grow brand access to additional consumers
• Focus on elevating/edifying black designers through partnerships

Entrepreneurial Journey & Personal Life

• Initially worked full-time at PR firm, developed brand evenings (5-9pm)
• Moved back with parents to funnel more money into company
• Launched thinking immediate full-time transition possible - incorrect assumption
• Worked at juice store (serving pressed juices) while building business
• Became mother during development process
• Decision: stay home, provide primary childcare, work on company simultaneously
• Partner support crucial for balancing family/business responsibilities

Key Support Systems

• Google/Harlem Fashion Row summit connection pivotal for awareness
• Networking essential for company development
• Family/partner support fundamental
• Library research recommendation for all entrepreneurs
• NYC Business Central Library: access to expensive databases
• Research professionals available to help find specific information
• Librarians as expert resources for industry research/pitch development

Challenges & Mindset

• Still personally packs/delivers orders, stores inventory in-house
• Morning self-doubt: "do I have what it takes to grow this brand?"
• Constant inspiration source seeking required
• Reminder: "people with far less have done it"
• Yoga practice essential for stress management/balance
• Regular meditative states crucial for entrepreneurial sustainability

Advice & Recommendations

• Stay gainfully employed longer (main advice to younger self)
• Local library utilization for research/databases access
• Ann Lowe biography inspiration (dressmaker for first lady)
• Creating with limited resources historical precedent
• Find personal inspiration sources
• Affirmations practice: son receives positive reinforcement as young black boy
• Self-affirmation needed: "you are kind, leader among peers"

Current Status & Future

• Bloomingdale's partnership launching soon
• Established celebrity clientele
• 200+ product SKUs currently managed
• Expansion plans: extended sizes, widths, apparel line
• Focus on ethical industry partnerships
• Continued color/size inclusivity advocacy