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From Pain Point to Powerhouse: How Calla Shoes Became a Global Brand
Season 5 · Episode 44

From Pain Point to Powerhouse: How Calla Shoes Became a Global Brand

Make Good Fashion: A Fashion Business Podcast · Jasmine Rennie

May 16, 20251h 16m

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Show Notes

Get Jennifer's Resources Here ➡️✨ http://makegoodfashion.com/calla


In this episode, Jasmine interviews Jennifer Bailey, the founder of Calla Shoes, a brand born from her personal struggle to find stylish and comfortable shoes for bunions. Jennifer shares her inspiring story of turning a wedding shoe quest into a successful business, her journey through product development, and the strategies she used to build a global brand that now serves women in over 90 countries. She discusses the importance of building community, leveraging PR, and navigating challenges in the footwear industry. This detailed conversation is filled with practical advice for budding footwear and fashion entrepreneurs alike, emphasizing the need for perseverance and thorough research. Jennifer’s insights promise to equip listeners with the knowledge and inspiration needed to start or grow their own niche brands.


00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:20 Meet Jennifer Bailey: Founder of Calla Shoes

02:12 The Birth of Calla Shoes

05:46 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Business

06:57 Product Development and Community Building

08:58 Navigating Production and Scaling Up

18:31 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement

35:59 Hiring and Outsourcing for Growth

39:59 Building a Global Footwear Brand

40:20 Direct to Consumer vs. Wholesale

41:31 Challenges of Footwear Returns

43:19 Perfecting the Fit

44:30 Customer Service Excellence

50:37 Marketing Strategies and PR Success

01:05:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

01:12:53 Future Plans for Calla


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