JODIE FILOGOMO: Shoes for All Walks of Life - Part III
April 07, 2021
Last year at this time, we were all trying to adapt to a "new normal." Sheltering-at-home, quarantining, and wearing masks were all things that none of us wanted to do, but most of us did. Thanks to the doctors, researchers, scientists and many others who have worked tirelessly, 24-7 to try to eradicate the virus that locked down the world, we are starting to find optimism in 2021!
With the emergence of this hope, we are also starting to see the first signs of Spring! With new growth and new beginnings, the colors this year are seeming brighter and more cheerful! With colorful light on the horizon, there is no better time than to introduce you to our favorite colorful friend, Jodie Filogomo, as Part III of our "Shoes for All Walks of Life" series!
Jodie wearing the Orleans sneaker in Tie-Dye
Several years ago, Jodie contacted me while on vacation in her (then) home state of Colorado. In true Jodie-style, she invited our group of six to lunch with her, her husband Rob, and fellow fashion blogger, Cindy Scurry. We became fast friends and the following April, Jodie and Rob came to St. Louis where Jodie was the guest speaker and model for the Walking Cradles Spring Shoe-Stravaganza. Since then, Jodie has been part of our Walking Cradles family, choosing to wear Walking Cradles shoes even when she isn't "officially" promoting them as one of our Brand Ambassadors.
Jodie at our Spring 2019 Shoe-Stravaganza Fashion Show rehearsal
There are countless stories of Jodie and her colorful wardrobe and personality, but to really appreciate Jodie's work, please visit her
blog,
Instagram,
Facebook or
Pinterest pages. Together with Charlotte, her mom, and dear friend, Lesley, Jodie covers topics that are both interesting and relevant to women. Keeping it all in the family, Rob is also very involved as photographer, videographer, business manager and more! Jodie's motto
"It's never too late to look great" is evident in all she does!
Being around Jodie is a breath of fresh air, she simply exudes positivity and vibrance. I was able to catch up with her to tell us a little bit more about herself and show off some of our newest styles - whether she's feeling casual or more dressed up! With that, I am pleased to bring you... Jodie Filogomo!
BEFORE YOU BECAME A PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER, YOU WERE A DENTIST. WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE DENTISTRY?
I wanted to be a dentist ever since I was 10 years old. Actually, when I was younger I was afraid of the dentist, and when I was about 10 my Mom finally took me to a pediatric dentist who I just adored. So, he was my inspiration to pursue the profession myself!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RETIRE FROM DENTISTRY TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER/INFLUENCER?
When I retired from dentistry and sold my practice I had the idea that I would become a personal shopper. I always say that if professional shopping was an Olympic sport, I would have a gold medal in it!! But I knew becoming a professional shopper would take some time to grow a clientele, so in the meantime I thought I would start a blog and include my mom and stepmom since they lived close to me. [When Jodie started her blog, she lived in Colorado. She has since moved to Arizona and her friend Lesley has joined in the fun.]
Cover art from Jodie's Touch of Style home page
NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT A BLOGGER/INFLUENCER DOES/IS. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, PLEASE TELL US WHAT A WORK DAY LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU.
A typical work day for a blogger or influencer is never typical, haha. Today, for example, we went to a museum to take our photos. Taking photos for the blog is usually an all-day event because I try to include something fun for us to do instead of just going somewhere to take photos. Then when we come home I have to download the photos, and my husband will edit them sometime in the next couple of days. After that I'm usually on the computer or phone checking emails messages and then also working on my social media!
UNLIKE MANY WOMEN, YOUR JOB PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO WEAR EVERY STYLE OF SHOE, DO YOU FIND YOURSELF GRAVITATING MORE TOWARD ANY PARTICULAR STYLES?
I have to admit that I absolutely love all styles of shoes. And I always have. I will say that I gravitate towards the fun and colorful ones. When we go out exploring of course I stick to flats or sneakers, but I still love my heels when I can wear them! In fact if there was a type of shoe that's missing from my closet, I would say it's the basics. Because I would rather have something bright or shiny or more fun on my feet!!
WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU ENJOY DOING?
When I'm not working? When is that? LOL!! No but seriously, knitting is one of my hobbies that I love to do when we are sitting around in the evenings. My husband and I consider ourselves foodies and love to explore the food scene here in Phoenix. I would say I also like to cook but after this last year that has waned a tad!!
Jodie wearing one of her many beautiful hand-knit sweaters
HAVE YOUR FOUND YOUR SHOE WANTS/NEEDS HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS, AND IF SO, HOW?
My shoe needs and wants have definitely changed over the years. I used to be one of those women that would buy uncomfortable shoes and try to make them work. I've finally figured out that that's silly and it's better to spend a little more money on ones that actually fit and feel good!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE WALKING CRADLES SHOES YOU ARE WEARING IN THESE PHOTOS?
Truthfully, my favorite thing about all of my Walking Cradle shoes is how comfortable they are with the Tiny Pillows. In fact, I have six pairs of these Orleans sneakers in my wardrobe now because you can transition them from the gym to lunch and even for date night!!
As for this pair of Sloan heels, I seem to have this obsession with animal print footwear right now and I love the cut out detail on these. Who knew that a heel could actually be so comfortable?
WHAT IS A MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE (ABOUT ANYTHING)?
My biggest message is twofold. One is that it is never too late to look great. And the other thing I like to tell my readers of my blog is to try anything and everything. Life is too short to get stuck into a certain style you think you must have. Too many times we think we can't wear something because we were told it's not right. And I'm always out to prove that wrong!!
......
Thank you, Jodie for being part of “Shoes for All Walks of Life.” We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to join us so we can all learn more about the women who wear Walking Cradles and their multi-faceted lives.
Each separate feature will include both a dressy/career style along with a casual/sporty style styled by different fabulous females. We hope you look forward to reading their stories as much as we enjoy working with them. Although, is it really work when you love what you do and get to spend time with such amazing people?!
Until next time,
XO,
Lisa
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