Our shoes are that element of our wardrobe that can be practical, functional; transform a look or send a strong message. They are the punctuation to our fashion statement. Regardless if you are a fashion victim or not, you are saying something based on the shoes you choose to wear. We may not be able to wear every trendy piece of clothing but everyone can find a rockin’ pair of shoes. Let’s face it, stilettos are an aphrodisiac that have stood the test of time for both men and women.

My own relationship with shoes has evolved over the years. In my early twenties I had the opportunity to work for a high end shoe store while going to school. For anyone that has ever worked in retail, you know staff gets first dibs on the new stock. Needless to say, with the help of my staff discount and promotions, I had developed quite a shoe collection. As I moved through various stages in life, my relationship changed. As an athlete and working in the fitness industry, performance shoes became a priority. Having children meant my shoes had to be versatile.

Now somewhere in the middle, my shoes represent something bigger. Like most women, I am a huge admirer of Oprah Winfrey. Many years ago I was watching a biography on her. The segment I was watching included a story about Oprah auctioning her clothes to raise money for charity. A woman in the audience was given the opportunity to talk about her own experience at the auction. This woman proceeded to talk about the difficulties she was dealing with at the time she went to the auction. She did not have much money and all she could afford was a pair of Oprah’s shoes. Oprah wears a size 10 and this woman was a 7. She didn’t care because she purchased the shoes anyway. She thought if she stood in Oprah Winfrey’s shoes maybe she could feel Oprah’s strength and resolve; maybe this would help her get through this difficult time in her life. I cried as I watched and it was obvious Oprah was moved as well. I have seen that biography often and cry every time I watch that segment. All I can think is how incredibly, fulfilling it must be to have that type of impact on people – to live your life in a way that is changing the world. If anyone deserves this satisfaction, Oprah does.

“Did they want to stand in your shoes?”

After sharing that story with my husband and actually making him watch the segment if he was in the vicinity, it has become a gauge to evaluate my work by. One day after a seminar I had done, I was telling him about all the wonderful feedback I had received afterward. In his usually witty way, he came back with “Did they want to stand in your shoes?” I had to think for a second and then chuckled.  That statement inevitable stuck so that now this is the goal of all my work. In sharing my knowledge and experiences in a humble, authentic way, I hope to connect with you or anyone else who shares my work in a way that fills you with a great sense of optimism and purpose.

How do you make someone want to wear your shoes? Here is a tip. Initially you connect and buy the shoes because the promotion around the shoe creates a certain energy or vibe. You buy the shoe because when you walk around the store twisting your ankles to see all the angles, you are feeling that energy. You may feel powerful, sexy, or fierce. The mistake most women make is when they take the shoes home and wear them out; they don’t allow themselves the well deserved opportunity to experience the shoes the way they were meant to. Ladies work those shoes and make the designer proud. You are entitled! So when you are looking for a way to justify that purchase, remember if they bring out your best and you wear them in a way that people want to follow, you’re getting an exponential return on your investment.

Filed under: Author Jackie, Inspiring Women, Life, Shoes