We were lucky to catch up with Elvira Merz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elvira , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Traveling through the World and Latin American countries provided me with ample inspiration. I was lucky to immerse myself in the art of handcrafting, particularly in the shoe industry, as I’ve always valued beautiful yet comfortable footwear.

Most of the shoes I encountered in stores were either stylish but uncomfortable or comfortable but lacking in style. I often thought, “Surely, it can’t be that difficult to create shoes that women truly want!” Indeed, I discovered that most shoe designers for women were men who never wore the shoes or understood how they felt in them.

Thus, the idea emerged to create fantastic shoes that I would love to wear myself. If these shoes appeal to other wonderful women seeking something special and comfortable,
then EMILIA MERZ is the perfect destination.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not have heard of me before, my name is Elvira Merz, and I am the founder of Emilia Merz, a brand dedicated to creating handmade, high-quality footwear. My journey into the fashion industry began with my successful fashion agency in Hamburg, Germany, where I had the privilege of introducing international brands to the German market. Prior to this, I ran my own boutiques, offering prestigious labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Coccinelle, and others. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion and lifestyle sector, I’ve had the pleasure of serving a discerning, high-end clientele who appreciate both quality and service.

At Emilia Merz, we specialize in producing sustainable, handcrafted shoes that stand out for their attention to detail, comfort, and exceptional craftsmanship. We don’t believe in mass production; instead, we focus on creating unique, timeless pieces that are tailored to our customers’ individual needs. This approach sets us apart from others in the market. Our shoes are not just products—they are works of art that reflect our values of sustainability, quality, and exclusivity.

What makes Emilia Merz different is the personalized attention we give to each of our customers. Unlike many large companies that treat their customers as numbers, we still believe that the customer is queen. In a time when customer service is often overlooked, we make sure that every person who shops with us feels valued and appreciated. This focus on human connection and respect is something I am incredibly proud of and what truly distinguishes our brand from others.

I am especially proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years and the trust I’ve earned from my loyal clientele. Our commitment to offering a luxury experience that goes beyond just the product has allowed us to carve out a special place in the industry.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Emilia Merz is more than just a shoe brand—it’s a reflection of a lifestyle where quality, service, and individuality come together. When you choose Emilia Merz, you’re choosing to be treated with the respect you deserve, and you’re choosing a brand that places great value on craftsmanship, sustainability, and a personal connection with each and every customer.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In my younger years, I worked for large German corporations in the fashion industry and climbed the ranks through sheer hard work. I always gave 150% and approached my job with passion and professionalism. However, my career took an unexpected turn when I found myself in a challenging situation after speaking up for myself and my team. I learned that few leaders can handle criticism, and many believe that their higher position makes them infallible. I had read in many successful biographies that people often turn such challenges into opportunities to push themselves even harder and channel their energy into building something of their own—and that’s exactly what I did. It was simply the right time; the experience and motivation were there. I highly recommend taking this path to anyone. Never be afraid to fall.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

Yes, I have sold a business before. It was a restaurant I built from the ground up in Nicaragua, where we specialized in German and Mediterranean cuisine. Although it was only a few months old, we managed to establish a strong foundation and attract loyal customers. When my husband’s work required us to relocate, I decided to sell the restaurant. We found the perfect buyers—a warm and dedicated Belgian family who shared our passion for hospitality.

One key lesson I learned from this experience is the importance of building a business with care and quality, even from the start. This not only creates a loyal customer base but also makes the business attractive to potential buyers. Additionally, finding buyers who share your values and vision ensures a smooth transition and preserves what you’ve worked hard to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emiliamerz.com/shop/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliamerzofficial/profilecard/?igsh=MTZleDl3bDF3dTNsMw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvira-merz-31bbab222