Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Carrero

Hi Erika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My journey started in the world of finance, where I worked as a finance executive in Silicon Valley. I loved the work, but it was definitely a male-dominated space, and as a petite woman, I often found myself being the only one in the room who looked like me. High heels became my secret weapon—they gave me height and a sense of confidence, which helped me feel more assertive and empowered. But there was always one problem: the heels I loved weren’t comfortable enough to wear all day. I started wondering why there wasn’t a shoe out there that could offer both style and comfort.

That question stayed with me for years, and after the company I was working for was acquired, I finally had the chance to explore the answer. I took a leap, shifted away from finance, and decided to start my own luxury shoe brand, Elizée. It wasn’t an easy transition. I had to learn everything about the footwear industry—design, manufacturing, working with artisans in Italy—but I was determined. My background in finance gave me the business knowledge, and my passion for creating comfortable, beautiful shoes gave me the drive.

Throughout this journey, my parents’ influence was always in the back of my mind. They pushed me to be independent, to get a good education, and to take risks. That foundation of resilience and self-reliance helped me navigate the ups and downs of launching my own brand. Now, Elizée is all about giving women the same confidence and empowerment I felt from heels—without sacrificing comfort. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that’s just part of the process. Transitioning from finance to launching a luxury shoe brand was a huge leap, and there were many challenges along the way. One of the biggest was learning an entirely new industry. I had to understand everything from shoe design to manufacturing, and working with Italian artisans meant navigating new business relationships and managing production across time zones.

Another challenge was getting started with factories that typically produce for larger, more established brands. They are used to straightforward constructions in bigger quantities, so introducing our custom comfort-driven insole required working side by side with them through multiple prototypes. This delayed production, but it was necessary to ensure we achieved the right balance of luxury and comfort. There was a lot of back-and-forth to get everything just right, but I knew it was worth the time and effort to create something truly innovative.

Building a business from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding, but also demanding. From managing a growing brand to making tough decisions, I’ve had to push myself in ways I didn’t expect. Still, I believe in the vision, and that belief has carried me through. Every challenge has only strengthened my determination and made Elizée a better brand.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

Elizée is a luxury footwear brand that I founded with a simple goal: to create beautiful, handcrafted heels that don’t sacrifice comfort. We specialize in high heels that combine Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge comfort technology. Our signature innovation is the custom-designed, triple-layered cushioned insole that offers shock absorption and support, making our shoes wearable all day long without compromising on style.

What sets Elizée apart is our commitment to creating shoes that truly balance luxury and comfort—something that is often overlooked in the high-end market. We work closely with skilled Italian artisans to ensure each pair is made with the finest materials and impeccable attention to detail. Every shoe in our collection is thoughtfully designed to empower women to feel confident, stylish, and comfortable, whether they’re heading to a business meeting or an evening event.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how we’ve managed to stay true to our mission while growing and expanding. Hearing from customers who say they can finally wear heels without pain is incredibly rewarding. At Elizée, we aren’t just selling shoes; we’re offering an experience. We want our readers to know that when they wear Elizée, they’re not just wearing luxury heels—they’re wearing shoes that are designed with their well-being in mind, without compromising on elegance or beauty.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

I think resilience has been the most important quality in my success. Starting a business, especially in a highly competitive industry like luxury footwear, comes with constant challenges and setbacks. Whether it was transitioning from finance to fashion, convincing manufacturers to work with a smaller brand, or navigating the complexities of building a brand from the ground up, resilience has been key in pushing through those obstacles. It’s about staying focused on the vision, even when things get tough, and knowing that persistence and adaptability will carry you forward.

Resilience has helped me stay determined and open to learning from every challenge, which has been crucial in growing Elizée into what it is today. Without that mindset, it would have been easy to give up when things got difficult, but it’s those tough moments that have ultimately strengthened the brand and myself as an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elizeeshoes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizeeshoes/
• Facebook: @elizeeshoes