Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Kaya.
Hi Dee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started learn Argentine Tango dance when I lived in Arkansas. I needed to purchase shoes, but because there was not a proper shoe retailer in Little Rock, I went to Dallas to buy one pair. But unfortunately, I could not wear them. They were not comfortable. When you dance tango, audiences watch your feet. Movement of feet is very important. Therefore beautiful and colorful shoes are essential, and they need to be comfortable because you can dance for 4 to 5 hours per milonga (social dance). So, I started thinking, “There might be a lot of places like Little Rock.”
I am from Turkey, and when I visited one of the biggest international Tango Festivals in Istanbul in 2017, I found someone who made shoes for Tango dancers. He’s called a shoemaster, and he has a lot of international customers from Europe to Asia. Everyone told me his shoes were high quality and how comfortable they were to wear. I learned that everyone has unique feet and that people who dance tango are very creative. They like to create their fashion!
So, I started to think, “I need to introduce this quality and comfort to my dancer friends in the U.S.”
I started my business in August 2017. I chose “Eyedanceshoes” as my brand name and I sell them online at www.eyedanceshoes.com. I enjoy creating custom designs for tango shoes and helping customers design their own shoes. They are also great for other dances and weddings because you can dance all night long without hurting your feet. I am very proud of my shoes.
Even though I started in the U.S., I have customers from all around the world such as Sweden, New Zealand, Poland, and Canada. My company is 100% women-owned business. I help women shelters in Dallas area. I am looking forward to growing and hiring women.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My struggle is being a mom and a businesswoman at the same time. I try to balance being both. And even though I don’t get paid for being a mom, my oldest son promised me a Ferrari. He was 3 years old at the time and watching a documentary about Ferrari, so it may not happen. But I love both of my jobs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I love creating new shoes. Choosing new leather or material, and working with different color patterns make me happy. I use Italian leathers for some of my shoes. When you go to event, you don’t come across the same eyedanceshoes. I am one-man band for my company. I take photos. I do social media marketing, too.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in Turkey. My dad was an alcoholic. I learned that if there is a trauma during your childhood, you are most likely a visual learner, as I am. Now, this ability helps me design my shoes. “What does not kill make you stronger,” -Nietzsche
Pricing:
- $149 On sale shoes
- $189 Women shoes
- $210 Men shoes
- $220 Custom made/customer design shoes
Contact Info:
- Email: Contact@eyedanceshoes.com
- Website: www.eyedanceshoes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyedanceshoes/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyedanceshoescom-195261494358886
Image Credits
Dee Kaya
