Ten Minutes with Shoe Designer, Kathryn Kerrigan

Stylish and classy shoes in Euro size 41 are hard to come by and I know. I happen to be one of those women whose prayers have been answered by Kathryn Kerrigan. This smart cookie spotted a need in the marketplace for beautiful and well made shoes for tall gals and decided to take matters into her own hands. She put here ideas on paper and brought them to reality with the aid of masterful artisans in Spain and Italy. The results? Alot happy women.

We were delighted to sit down with Kathryn and learn about the beginnings of her brand and her big plans for the future.

Oligoville:Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.
Kathryn: Kathryn Kerrigan is the first luxury, fashion footwear company to specifically design shoes for women who wear size Euro 39-46.We then discovered that because our footwear is fashionable, comfortable and elegant, women who wear a size smaller than Euro 39 also wanted to wear our shoes. Now all of my designs are available in Euro size 36-46. Our shoes are all hand crafted by artisans in Spain and Italy of the finest materials, each shoe passes through several hands before reaching our stores.

Oligoville: How did your interest or career in design begin?

Kathryn: I was always interested in fashion, but in college I was a basketball player and majored in pre-law. I have always had a difficult time finding clothing and shoes that fit my 6 foot tall frame and I remember searching every mall in Chicago trying to find fashionable size 11 shoes for my prom. After I received my MBA from Loyola University, I wanted to look elegant and fashionable in the real world, but there were no options when it came to shoes.  I decided that if the shoes didn’t fit I would make my own. I drafted sketches and specs for my first line of shoes and worked with craftsmen in Italy to produce my designs

Oligoville: Who or what inspired your designs?

I have always been inspired by my grandmother, Dottie Kerrigan’s wardrobe. She epitomized the 1920’s flapper and followed the style standard “elegant and classic”. Several of my designs have this vintage flair. I am also inspired by colors and textures that I see everyday. I consider each one of my designs a work of art.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you.

Kathryn: A typical day varies from day to day. One day I may be meeting with design students from the Art Institute other days are filled with sketching and specs. I have to search through color swatches, I may spend hours trying to find the right blue in the right material there are over 400 shades of blue! Since I am a relatively new designer, I am always doing interviews and appearances trying to get my brand out there.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Kathryn: My fashion style has always been classic and sophisticated, pencil skirts, clean lines with a touch of modern colors and accessories.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setback you have faced since starting your business and what you have learned from that.

Kathryn: When I started this business, I thought I would be successful within a few years. I feel I have achieved success, but it is definitely an ongoing process. I have to work at it constantly and I learned that ultimately it will take time to get to where I want to be in the fashion industry.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Kathryn: I cannot describe how happy it makes me when women and young ladies thank me for changing their lives. I understand because I felt their frustration. It may sound corny, but many of my customers have never been able to wear anything but an athletic shoe and now they have options, very fashionable options. A good pair of shoes really can change your outlook. I am thankful that I get to do what I love every day!

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?

Kathryn: I plan on opening a location in Chicago’s Gold Coast this year, within five years I would like to add a New York and LA location and make Kathryn Kerrigan a brand that everyone recognizes.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Kathryn: I think the key to being a successful entrepreneur is starting with extensive research. Make sure that you have as much knowledge about your business as you can, that may mean taking a design class, or working in the field you are interested in.
Once you have the knowledge you can find your niche and create a passion for what you do and chances are you will be successful.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Kathryn: Oddly enough, Amy Winehouse “You know that I’m no good”