TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT THE WALKING CRADLE COMPANY.
I am the Director of Design and Product Development, which means I have the best job! Basically I design the line- researching trends, creating color palettes, sketching new silhouettes, developing new comfort features, approving samples, consulting on fit, communicating with the factories. In ordinary times, I get a lot more customer interaction, whether through traveling to shows or though events we hold right here in-house. I miss these because I learn so much about the specific problems women have finding great shoes and get so much feedback that I am able to incorporate into the line. If you have Walking Cradles that you love or hate, let me know!
TELL A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK HOURS.
I am 32 weeks pregnant. I would enjoy a nap and a chocolate Oreo Blizzard.
TELL US ABOUT ANOTHER WOMAN WHO HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY.
My mom- she is the best! She somehow worked full time (still does!) while managing the household- cleaning, cooking, arranging appointments, making holidays special, all the while attending every soccer game. Now that I am a mom, I reflect on this frequently. I am like, HOW?????? She is pretty much always in a good mood, but doesn’t let anyone get away with anything. She has taught me that the difficult thing is likely the right thing, that hard work is never wasted, and that happy people think outside of themselves. She is a great reminder that so often the people making a real difference on a day-to-day basis are not the ones making all the noise.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ANY ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
Finished is better than perfect.
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?
I think yes and no. When I was little, my mom took me to the local shoe store where they sat me down, measured my feet with a Brannock and made sure to get the proper fit. This did help me to understand that the fit of shoes is more nuanced and less subjective than the fit of clothing. When I was old enough to buy my own shoes, the sit-and-fit aspect was being replaced by self-serve and online shopping. If the shoes were an investment pair, I really did pay attention to the fit because the fit is so important for the longevity of the product, and I didn’t want to waste my money. However, if I was buying a novelty pair for a special event (Lisa often refers to these as “shoes designed for sitting”), I admit I was perfectly willing fudge on the fit. Now, I have been wearing Walking Cradles daily for so long, that I am legitimately surprised when I try on or wear other brands. Almost always at some point I am like, “Wow, this is how people’s shoes feel??? Why are they walking around like this??" It always reminds me that my job really does make a difference and that our product is absolutely necessary in an oversaturated fashion market.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WALKING CRADLES SHOE AND WHY?
I can’t realistically be expected to choose a favorite child, right??? I have a disgusting pair of leopard hair calf print Osmonds that I guess I just can’t bear to part with, because they are still in my closet despite drastic bald spots.
I have Wren in 3 color ways because the tailored moc look is so classic and sophisticated—I have walked up to 9 miles over the course of 12 hours in these shoes! The spring update to this style, the Whitney, will certainly see a lot of wear this spring.
I love the Shine boot because it dresses up any outfit, especially jeans and a t-shirt.
I am so excited about the new series of sneakers we are debuting very soon - the Metro + collection. I have been wear-testing this series for several months now and I love the Dash, especially in the snow leopard stretch. The Destin in white has been my most recent go-to as the weather warms up- the adjustability with the laces is a great feature as my pregnant-lady feet and ankles get perpetually cuter throughout the afternoon. Additionally, I can’t wait to sport the silver Hudsons and the Hustle all summer long!
– Walking Cradles thanks Jamie for her exceptional work she does here and for the example she sets for women everywhere. We are all very excited to welcome the newest addition to Jamie's family very soon!
Join us tomorrow, March 10, for our next fabulous female who makes things happen at Walking Cradles!
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