Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toi Kyles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Toi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
One of the best ways I have shown appreciation to my customers is by making sure they know they are part of the Indigoz Shoes journey and impact. As a small business owner, I never take a purchase for granted. Every customer who buys a pair of Indigoz Shoes or Indigoz Insoles is helping me continue building a brand that combines fashion, comfort, and community impact.
One thing I make a point to do is personally connect with customers whenever possible. Whether it’s sending a personal thank-you message, highlighting loyal customers on social media, offering early access to new collections, or simply taking the time to learn their story and why they chose my products, I want them to know they are valued beyond the sale.
What makes this meaningful is that many customers have followed my journey from the beginning. They have supported new collections, shared my brand with friends and family, and encouraged me through challenges and milestones. By recognizing their support and keeping them involved in the growth of the company, I hope they feel appreciated, respected, and genuinely connected to the success of the brand.
The greatest customer appreciation isn’t a single gesture—it’s consistently showing people that their support matters. Every purchase, every referral, every social media share, and every word of encouragement has helped Indigoz Shoes grow, and I never want my customers to feel like just another transaction. I want them to feel like family and an important part of the story we are building together.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Toi Cheri Kyles, and I am the founder and designer of Indigoz Shoes and Indigoz Insoles. My journey into fashion began long before I started my business. I fell in love with fashion at the age of five after participating in my first fashion show. Growing up as a military brat, I had the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, styles, and perspectives, which greatly influenced my creativity and appreciation for design.
I pursued my passion academically by studying fashion at Norfolk State University and Marymount University. One of the most impactful experiences in my career was interning with Carl Brown, one of the original owners of FUBU, who became a mentor and helped shape my understanding of the fashion industry. Since launching Indigoz Shoes in 2013, I have remained committed to creating footwear that combines style, comfort, and individuality.
Indigoz Shoes offers fashionable footwear for men and women, including heels, boots, sneakers, and other versatile designs that allow people to express themselves confidently. Through Indigoz Insoles, I also provide comfort-focused products designed to help people feel better on their feet throughout the day. I believe fashion should never require someone to sacrifice comfort, and that philosophy is at the heart of every product I create.
What sets my brand apart is that we are not simply selling shoes—we are building a movement centered around fashion, empowerment, and impact. While many brands focus solely on trends, Indigoz Shoes focuses on creating products that make people feel confident while also giving back to communities in need. Through our Fashion & Global Impact initiatives, we organize shoe drives and community partnerships that provide footwear and essential resources to underserved populations locally and internationally. Our mission is rooted in the belief that no one should have to go without shoes on their feet.
I am especially proud of the growth of Indigoz Shoes from a dream into a brand that has been featured on runways including New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Los Angeles Fashion Week. However, my proudest accomplishment is not the runway recognition—it’s using fashion as a platform to create positive change. Seeing customers support both the products and the mission behind the brand has been incredibly rewarding.
For potential customers, supporters, and followers, I want them to know that every design has a purpose. When you support Indigoz Shoes, you are supporting a woman-owned business built on perseverance, creativity, and community. You are supporting a brand that values quality, comfort, and individuality while actively working to make an impact beyond fashion.
As I continue to grow the company, my vision is to expand Indigoz Shoes into major retailers, reach customers around the world, and increase our global impact efforts. My goal is to prove that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful—and that success is even more powerful when it helps uplift others along the way.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships and creating experiences that connect people to the brand beyond the products themselves. While social media, fashion shows, and marketing have all played important roles, the biggest driver of growth has been word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers and supporters.
I have found that when customers have a positive experience with Indigoz Shoes or Indigoz Insoles, they naturally become brand ambassadors. They share their purchases, recommend the brand to friends and family, and continue supporting new collections because they feel connected to the mission and story behind the company.
Participating in fashion weeks, pop-up shops, community events, and networking opportunities has also helped introduce the brand to new audiences. These events allow people to meet me personally, learn about the inspiration behind the designs, and experience the products firsthand. Building those personal connections creates trust, which often leads to long-term customers rather than one-time buyers.
Another key strategy has been aligning the brand with purpose. Through our Fashion & Global Impact initiatives and shoe drives, people see that Indigoz Shoes is about more than fashion. Customers appreciate supporting a business that is committed to making a difference, and that has helped us build a loyal community around the brand.
Ultimately, my approach has always been to focus on relationships over transactions. When people feel valued, heard, and appreciated, they become loyal supporters who help grow the business organically. That commitment to authenticity and community has been the foundation of our continued growth.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I keep in touch with clients by creating genuine relationships and maintaining consistent communication across multiple channels. Through social media, email marketing, fashion events, pop-up shops, and personal outreach, I make it a priority to stay connected with customers and keep them informed about new product launches, upcoming events, community initiatives, and company milestones.
One of the ways I foster brand loyalty is by making customers feel like they are part of the Indigoz Shoes family. I regularly engage with customers online, respond to messages and comments, share customer photos and testimonials, and personally thank people for supporting the brand. I want every customer to know that their support is seen and appreciated.
I also believe in giving customers more than just a product. Through our Fashion & Global Impact initiatives, shoe drives, and community partnerships, customers have the opportunity to be part of a larger mission. Many people connect with the fact that their purchase supports a brand that values both fashion and social impact.
Additionally, I keep customers excited by providing updates on new collections, behind-the-scenes looks at the design process, fashion show appearances, and future projects. By allowing customers to be part of the journey, they become invested in the brand’s growth and success.
At the end of the day, brand loyalty is built on trust, consistency, and appreciation. My goal is to ensure that every customer feels valued, respected, and connected to the Indigoz Shoes mission long after their initial purchase.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Indigoz-shoes.myshopify.com
- Instagram: Indigozshoes_ IndigozInsoles
- Facebook: Indigoz Shoes
- Linkedin: Indigoz Shoes
