We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claudia Lisotta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claudia below.

Alright, Claudia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

After I moved to Texas and in the amazing turn of events, even though the fondness for fashion has always been there I decided to pursue my dreams and start my own shoe brand, strongly convicted to the idea God had put in my heart. Not knowing where and how to begin I became obedient to the idea and researched for a couple of years, because in my heart i felt this would truly work if i put in the effort. Being led once again back to my origins I decided to fly to Brazil in 2020 in the high of COVID, despite the circumstances of the pandemic I set my emotions aside and convinced the manufactures I found through my research to allow me to present them my designs and my vision, keep in my mind this was the very same factory producing shoes for some of mine inspirational designers. This unique approach during the pandemic actually play in my advance because nobody else was looking to produce, expand nor the less start a shoe business. Now a couple of years in, Im fulfilling my ultimate dream! Launching my very own e-commerce store back in May, working with amazing manufactures delivering very high standards in quality and aesthetically, without compromising comfort, and this is what Im most exited about. My company is dedicated to spread a message of love and encouragement to women all over the world with these beautiful designs and encouraging messages, We will also donate a percentage of the company’s income to nonprofits throughout the world. Helping different causes that are dear and near to my heart.
As a CEO I want to transform the footwear and fashion industry, proving that fashion is more than luxury or a dark world for that matter, but that can be positive, bright and loving — it’s truly an art !

Claudia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Im Brazilian born and raised and I had a passion for fashion since she was a little girl, specialty shoes. This obsession comes from my father’s passion for mens footwear. I grew up seeing my dad bring shoe samples home as he was a representative for some factories back in Brazil, my home country. At the age of 19 years old I moved to the US persuaded by my mom for a better future, landing in FL following I followed my sister and brother-in-law’s footsteps not knowing when I would see family again.
While in FL I worked for my sister and brother in law in their new endeavors selling leather goods in kiosks in malls all over. There was one minor problem, I didn’t speak any English at that time. Despite the hard work of learning from a booklet my sister made for me to learn the basics, I was determined to make the best of it. Eleven hours a day six days a week, I was dropped every morning and picked up every night after work due to not having saved enough money to buy a car. On the menu was pizza for quite some time because that’s all I knew to say while placing orders at the food court for lunch and dinner. Now looking back I can say how proud I am of my willingness to fight and overcome so many obstacles!
Because of all I went through to get here I knew I had to to something more impactful and help others with a tangible product to feel inspired and loved. So that’s why I created Claudia Lisotta brand, we are very relevant as a brand to create stunning women shoes and share bold messages and ethical principals.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

For 15 years I worked supper hard to make ends meet as I shared previously in my story, but truly it was when I met the most inspiring man of my life my now husband, and both of us worked hard to raise kids, and provide for the family he had always taught me how to stay the course and be super frugal. So now 15 years later we were able to fund our own business but of course starting small and making super conscience decisions and we keep moving forward, We are still in it and praying for guidance and we make those decisions because as we learned along this journey mistakes can be very expensive.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I feel like Im finally starting to walk the path it was meant for me. All though I take every experience and move as a training lesson for where I am at now I had to change courses numerous times! Starting back in Brazil when I was 19 and moved here without a word in English, I always thought I would be a dentist back home. Then I settle in Fl and spend 14 years there thinking I was gonna stay in the retail and fashion industry for life but made the decision to Pivot and move to Texas to support my husbands career, and now, 7 years later Im a shoe designer!! Wow Im still not used to cal myself that! What a dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: Claudialisotta.com
• Instagram: @claudialisottabrand
• Facebook: Claudia Lisotta brand
• Linkedin: Claudia Lisotta

Image Credits
Jenny Martel Photography Felipe Castruita photography Cory Hale Photography