Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Lisotta.
Hi Claudia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Brazil, and as a little girl, I had a passion for shoes. When I look back, I realize it was because my father had always been obsessed with men’s footwear. He was a representative for some factories and would always bring home samples. My father always saw shoes as a form of art. In an amazing turn of events, years later, I would pick up on passion in the form of Claudia Lisotta Shoes.
At the age of 19 years old I was persuaded by my mom to go to the United States for a better future. I decided to take on the adventure and moved to Florida following in my sister and brother-in-law’s footsteps, not knowing when I would see my family again. This was a heartbreaking situation as my mom had 2/3 siblings move to the U.S.
Arriving in Florida the plan was to work with my sister and brother-in-law in their new endeavors. They were selling leather goods in different kiosks in those mall carts you see lined up in the middle of the walkways. However, the challenge was I didn’t speak English – minor problem! To help accelerate the process, they made me a little translation booklet in order for me to work. One of the few words I could speak was “Pizza.” So, guess what was on the menu for quite some time during lunch–Sbarro Pizza!
The days were long—11-hour shifts, 6 days a week for a few years in a row. I was dropped off every morning and picked up every night because I didn’t have a car. It wasn’t until later that my brother-in-law taught me how to drive. I was finally able to save up some money and, at the age of 21, to get my very first car. Despite the lack of language and how hard it was to be away from my family, I was determined to make the best of it. It was certainly the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I’m glad I was young and resilient.
Moving forward about ten years, I met the most amazing man—my now husband. We got married shortly after, had two amazing boys, Nathaniel and Nicholas, and moved to Texas. Through it all the fondness for fashion and fascination for shoes has always been there. However, the desire to do something about it kept getting stronger.
A couple of years later and after so much research I was led once again to my origins. In the height of the COVID19 pandemic, I decided to fly to Brazil to meet with the factory to start producing the shoes. Little did I know, this facility I had been talking to and set a meeting with happened to be where one of my inspirational designers produces some of her shoes! We specialize in quality handmade shoes allowing me to create some amazing designs with a purpose to empower and inspire women all over the world. We use high-quality leather without compromising comfort.
We’re just getting started, and this has been a dream come true!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Certainly, lots of struggles, building a business is one of the hardest things I’ve done. From learning the fundamentals all the way through and paving my own path and connections took a long time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’ve spent years working in the industry that carried quality brands alongside talented colleagues, so I brought my expertise and creativity to another level, developing my very own brand. This was no easy task, especially during the pandemic.
As the head and creative designer, Claudia brings to life luxurious styles that are meaningful that intentionally add unique details with the consumers in mind.
The shoes are hand-crafted and manufactured in my home country of Brazil. We are working exclusively with a factory where ILO (International Labour Organization) rules are closely followed, and as a global company, this is important to us. Adding the culture of Brazil was essential to showcase the country’s talent as well as running alongside women on this journey of empowerment and encouragement.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My relationship with God. It’s where and how I find strength and courage to persevere and achieve my wildest dreams according to His plan.
Pricing:
- $140
- $199
- $209
- $245
Contact Info:
- Website: Claudialisotta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudialisottabrand?igsh=ZnoyM2Jid29ucHl1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/TiKK2L17wrMbP86b/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Chloe Nicole Photography
Felipe Castruita Photography
Jenny Martel Photography
