Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Manningham.
Michelle, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
A dreamer from a small town in East Texas started with a vision many years ago to create a boot line that inspired women. After going through a divorce, giving up an eight-year business and she decided to start over from scratch. This time putting her dreams first. With zero background in design or manufacturing she started sketching designs in her living room. Her passion and motivation progressed from sketching in journals to purchasing used boots at antique shops and gluing crystals to them (and making a valiant attempt to resell them).
As her dream started growing, she began looking into manufacturing to launch her dream for The Original Pink Sole™ Cowgirl boot line. She researched every boot manufacturer she could find and started sending e-mails (over 400 to be exact) to introduce herself. Two trial runs with separate manufacturers that couldn’t create what she wanted and she finally met with a company in Texas who could bring her sketches to life. Her creativity and drive to create a one of a kind boots have birthed what we know today as The Original Pink Sole™ cowgirl boot line.
A portion of the profits from the Texi Boot line are being donated every year to a female entrepreneur to help her launch her business. She has since launched The Heart and Sole Conference that will be held November 3, 2018 in Addison, Texas. The conference is attracting women from around the country that desire to have their dream business become a real business. Speakers include the founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes, Forbes 30 under 30, tech start-ups and women that started with product ideas that are now being sold in retail stores across America. Tickets can be purchased at www.thepinksole.com.
The vision for the Texi Boot brand was to build a community of women who were brave enough to chase after their dreams. This brand was birthed through a lot of heart, soul, and grit. With the founder’s curiosity behind “Where can your Texi’s take you” she wanted to hear success stories from women who used their courage to fuel their dreams. Texi Boots is about inspiration, passion and a whole lot of sole. It is a belief that authenticity is beautiful and that your life can be a statement piece. It was her desire to see women dance through life with a passion as bold as their sole, fearlessly pursuing what set their heart on fire.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I desire to inspire women. I want them to understand that you don’t have to know anything to get started in the direction of your dream, you just have to start with what you know.
I knew nothing about manufacturing (I didn’t even know really what that meant). So, I did what I knew, exactly where I was. And that was to take boots that already existed and add personality to them. It was only through the process of moving in the direction of my dreams did I make the connections or gain the knowledge necessary to go to the next level. It is my desire that my story helps women realize that whatever is in your heart to do you truly can figure out how to make it a reality. Read, listen, podcast, get around other successful entrepreneurs, and do something every single day that moves you towards the direction of your dreams.
My goal is that in the next 10 years to have successfully helped 10 other female entrepreneurs launch their own business. That is the heart and soul behind the Texi Boot brand. When women see the pink sole, they don’t see just a beautiful woman, they are reminded of what it means to make a dream a reality. I want the line to inspire, not just be an accessory.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Just does. Act. You’re never going to have all of the answers, don’t wait for them. Figure out your time management system. My days start at 4am most days. I am naturally a night owl, so I had to train myself. I organize my entire day the night before and I wake up with a plan. I am offensive, not reactionary to my goals.
Get in over your head and you will be forced to learn how to swim. You may just invent a revolutionary floatie while you’re int he processes of keeping your head above water.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
www.texiboots.com
I would love for women to attend our Heart and Sole Conference. November 3, 2018 at the Addison Theater and Conference Center. It could the one day that changes her entire future. We have invested so much heart and “sole” into making this THE event to be at in 2018.
I want them to walk into 2019 with momentum towards their dream and this event I feel will truly be the launching pad. I cannot wait to look out in the crowd knowing that there are future millionaires, life changers, cure finders and CEOs in the making. All of who know that making an impact is so much more important than making money.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.texiboots.com
- Phone: 1-833-HER-SOLE
- Email: michelle@texiboots.com
- Instagram: @texiboots
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/texiboots
- Twitter: texiboots
- Other: www.thepinksole.com
Image Credit:
Beach photos: Alyson Hall Photography
Photo with Doberman: Ali Alistone Photography
Photo with all girls: Sweet Memory Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
