Women of Wonder Interview with Katy Perry Collections Founder, Katy Perry
Women have made an undeniable impact on the world, paving the way for future generations to break barriers and shatter stereotypes. Often in the face of discrimination and adversity, women have trail blazed by building brands and achieving greatness through innovation, leadership and inspiration.
We celebrate Women's History Month by featuring the remarkable female founders whose brands you can find at SHOWFIELDS. Tune in as we interview our Women of Wonder!
What inspired Katy Perry Collections?
KP: When I was growing up, I didn’t have a big budget for clothes, so I would take the money I earned busking at the farmers market to a thrift store and cultivate my own style with what was there, not what trends were in regular stores. With KPC, I wanted to reflect that same individualistic style at a price point that was affordable.
What makes KPC so unique?
KP: Before architectural and personality heels became popular from high end designers, we were making our shoes that could be an exclamation point at the end of an outfit!
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
KP: You don’t know what you don’t know. It’s all a learning curve and I was creating something new: learning who my customer was, and what they wanted, and you can only do this by testing and learning. Now that I’ve had many seasons under my belt, I understand my customer more and also understand the marketplace so I shift my strategy accordingly. It’s been nice to streamline.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own shoe brand?
KP: Having the final say LOL. And I get to learn so much about business and how to build a business, the logistics of making an idea a reality and providing these personality shoes at an affordable price not excluding comfort.
What has been the biggest challenge for you as a female-founded company?
KP: I don’t think there are any challenges being specifically female-founded. Our main challenges are similar to what everyone else in the industry has been experiencing due to supply chain.
Do you have a mantra that you live by?
KP: Lately it’s been: I can, I will, I am!
What tips do you have for other women who would like to start their own businesses?
KP: Surround yourself with people that know more than you.
If someone is new to your brand, what is the first product they should try?
KP: Whatever someone’s signature shoe is, KPC has a twist on that version. If they love a heel, we kind of have this thing like “what can we turn into a heel?” Right now, we’ve got a curler and a mushroom heel, for example. I’m not partial to sneakers, but I love our new Spring shapes, with fun little beads on the laces. We’re known for our Geli® sandals - they started as sandals with cute toe ornaments but we’ve turned them into Geli soled boots and clogs that are just so Y2K fun.
