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Feel Good, Proper Fit, Fancy Footwear

Shoe Design Sensation Samantà Joseph

Samantà Joseph's shoe line, aptly named Samantà Shoes, has become both a celebrity and non-celebrity must-have due to their beautiful design, exceptional comfort and approachable prices. With a true foothold of bringing together comfort and style, her line just over 2 years old has quickly earned well-deserved recognition for her craftsmanship with features in Upscale, Vogue, Essence, Lucky, Allure and Black Enterprise. Samantà Shoes fit nearly everyone – especially those with larger feet – and occasion in sizes 5 to 13 for women, 8 to 14 for men, ranging from business, casual and sandals to boots and formal.

Samantà took some time to talk about her footwork.

CHiC: Please reminisce on discovering your “glass slipper” career path as a shoe designer.

Samantà: My earliest shoe memories were of excitement helping my mother design summer sandals at age 6. However, my traditional Guyanese family pushed me to pursue a stable career. I graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems, rejected many lucrative corporate opportunities in New York City, and decided to pursue my passion.

CHiC: Please describe the process of designing your shoes and the craft involved.

Too Cute to Boot: The Kimberlee $250

Samantà: Each shoe that enhances the line is first carefully constructed using a special shoe mold that is a hybrid of a high instep and a flat foot. This ingenuity provides comfort on both ends of the spectrum, and all areas in between. Great thought is put into the arch support, heel height, and leather lining of each shoe.

CHiC: How has being a woman of color influenced your designs? Has your Guyanese background played into your work?

Samantà: Being a woman of color gives me unique fashion perspective. I relate to and understand different style needs such as offering stylish shoes in larger sizes 11, 12, and 13. My Guyanese background influenced me to manufacturer my designs in Brazil, the South American neighbor to my native country. Brazil offers the highest quality without exceeding the affordable luxury threshold.

CHiC: What do shoes say about the wearer?

Samantà: Women often make many assumptions about a man based on his footwear. However, many women don't take care of themselves. They either have cute shoes that hurt their feet or comfortable shoes that look horrible. Samantà Shoes are designed for sophisticated women with a dynamic lifestyle as well as for fashionable businessmen.

CHiC: How do you ensure that shoes fit well?

Samantà: Key advice and tips:

• Go shoe shopping late in the afternoon; feet swell to their largest then.
• Don't plan on shoes stretching with wear. If you already own shoes that are too tight, ask your shoe repair shop if they can be stretched.
• Leather is best because it breathes like skin and molds to your foot. Also, shoes with leather soles increase circulation.
• Because feet spread with age, have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Both feet should be measured, as they are often different sizes. Always buy shoes for the larger one.
• Size varies by shoe make and style. Don't insist you always wear one size if the next feels better.
• The toe box should be roomy enough so you can wiggle all your toes. The heel should fit snugly and the instep should not gape open.
• Try on both pairs of shoes, and actually walk in them before you leave the store.
• Establish a relationship with a trusted shoe brand and maker like Samantà that offers consistent quality products and can keep and track your foot profile for recommendations.

CHiC: What one shoe style should every woman have?

Samantà: Every woman should have a black pump that is fierce with both a suit and jeans, with enough comfort to go from day to evening.

CHiC: Which celebs step in your shoe styles?

Samantà: Samantà Shoes can be spotted on trendsetters like Tyra Banks, Sanaa Lathan, Geena Davis, Sophia Bush, Queen Latifah, Tracey Ellis Ross, Rachel Bilson, Rihanna, Melba Moore, Chandra Wilson, and Nick Cannon. I would love to see Condoleezza Rice, Melinda Gates and Aishwarya Rai in my shoes.

CHiC: As a sponsor of economic empowerment seminars, what do you think is the major setback for ethnic entrepreneurs? What is your advice?

Samantà: Lack of capital. My advice is to establish good credit and invest in you.

CHiC: What does the Spring/Summer collection hold in store?

Samantà: Classic special occasion sandals, Spicy shoes for the office, and everyday chic.

By Ellen Rosner Feig

Check out the Samantà Shoes website in the Fashion category of CHiC Links.

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