TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT THE WALKING CRADLE COMPANY.
My formal title is Director of Merchandising, which is just a sophisticated description for “Buyer”. I am fortunate because my position allows me to work with every function of the business. From warehouse to Product Development to Sales to Customer Service to Accounting, I get to play an active role in all of the parts that make The Walking Cradle Company operate. I also work directly with the factories to place our orders and track production, then manage our relationship with our Freight Forwarder to oversee that the shoes make it from overseas to our warehouse in Fenton, Missouri.
TELL A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK HOURS.
I am married and I have two small children. My husband, Geoff, and I have been married for 7.5 years. Together we have our son, Ronan, who is 3 and our daughter, Naomi, who is 9 months. Our little miracle babies keep us very busy and extremely exhausted. They are the focus of our lives and through the last year of COVID, they’ve been our sunshine and sources of our happiness. In a normal year, we would be always on the go, even with small children. We love to enjoy the outdoors, go on adventures, and explore different cities; however, life has slowed down and now we spend hours exploring local parks and finding creative ways to entertain ourselves.
TELL US ABOUT ANOTHER WOMAN WHO HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY.
My greatest role models have been the strong women in my family. My mom has been the most influential woman in my life. She leads by example and has been a fierce example of resiliency, determination, and grace. She’s humble and compassionate; always willing to roll up her sleeves and perform unselfish acts of kindness. A role model to many, she was raised by a strong woman. My Grandma was truly the matriarch of our family and instilled a hardworking grit that flows through my family’s DNA. My sister continues to be a cheerleader who I am blessed to always have in my corner. I always wanted to be like her when I was growing up. Even though we are now grown, she will always be my “Big Sister”.
As I have gotten older and grown through personal experiences, I reflect upon these three women and realize how lucky I am that I’ve had them to shape me as a woman, a wife, and a mother.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ANY ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
EVERYONE has flaws, so acknowledge yours and don’t let them define you.
BEFORE WORKING AT WALKING CRADLES, DID YOU CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOES FITTING PROPERLY AND COMFORTABLY? IF YES, WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU LEARN THIS VALUABLE INFORMATION? IF NO, TELL US HOW IT HAS CHANGED YOUR THOUGHTS ON FOOTWEAR?
My late father was a stickler about quality footwear as I was growing up. When I was a pre-teen, he introduced me to Dr. Martens and through my teenage years, he enabled that addiction! I did not seek out working in this industry. It happened through a little luck and opportunity. When I graduated from college with an International Business and Economics degree, I was fortunate to have an entry-level position waiting for me at Caleres, Inc. (formerly Brown Shoe Company). I am thankful that I have been able to work in an industry that I enjoy. Each season is different and there are always a set of new challenges. My career has spanned from Caleres to MBT to The Walking Cradle Company. Each company is customer centric and works with world renowned factories. Saint Louis, Missouri has been and continues to be a city known for quality footwear and while we no longer manufacture here, we still have the roots sewn in this city’s heritage.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WALKING CRADLES SHOE AND WHY?
This has to be the toughest question to ask any of us at The Walking Cradle Company. I am unable to pick just one, so here are my top 3:
– Walking Cradles thanks Courtney for her exceptional work she does here and for the example she sets for women everywhere. We wish Courtney a very Happy Birthday today, also!
Join us tomorrow, March 17, for our last (but certainly not least) fabulous female who makes things happen at Walking Cradles!
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