Taking Control of Your Own Destiny with Sarah Flint, Founder of Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint is the executive chairman, creative director, and
founder of Sarah Flint, a luxury shoe brand aimed at on-the-move
women who need comfort just as much as fashion and
style.  


In 2013, Sarah was on a mission to create luxury shoes made from
the finest materials that not only looked good but also felt
amazing. Early on in her business, she was a full-time nanny and
was looking to get her brand off the ground in the evenings and
on the weekends. She devoted a lot of time to product creation
and networking, and ultimately got into high-end retailers like
Barneys, Bloomingdale’s, and Shopbop. This opened the door for
many celebrities to take notice of her shoes, attracting women
like Meghan Markle, Amal Clooney, and Lady Gaga. 


Yet, even after all the success, Sarah still felt like something
was missing as she battled to create a meaningful connection with
her customers. The products she had been creating up to that
point had very slim margins, and she knew that she had to change
her business model. So, in 2017, she canceled all of her orders
and decided to go down the direct-to-consumer (DTC) route. While
investors doubted her decision, Sarah went with her gut and now
has seen even greater success. 


We’ll talk to Sarah about how she managed to pivot her business
from the wholesale days to the COVID environment, what she did to
break into the competitive luxury shoe market, and how she went
about building her brand and cult following.


In this episode, we’ll talk to Sarah about:


* How learning disabilities made her overcompensate and try to
prove herself. [4:14] 


* When Sarah became aware of the massive opportunity in the
women’s shoe market. [5:21]


* Her motivation for doing a manufacturing program in Italy and
what it taught her. [7:04]


* How she overcame the obstacles of pattern work and comfort
level in luxury shoes. [9:56]


* The challenge of working with big manufacturers as a young
woman designer. [12:01] 


* Making sacrifices, having mentors, and other advice for dealing
with partners as a new business owner. [12:42] 


* The first round of funding for Sarah’s business and how she
continued to get investors. [16:25] 


* Sarah shares how celebrities helped her to compete with the big
brands in the market. [18:23] 


* What it took, apart from a great product, for her to get
noticed by famous women. [20:08]  


* Insights into Sarah’s decision to close down her wholesale
business and relaunch as a DTC company. [22:16]


* Why it was riskier for her to place her bets on well-known
stores than to do it herself. [28:23]


* Learn about the brand’s successful direct selling and brand
ambassador programs. [32:22] 


* How COVID impacted her business and what she has done to shift
and pivot. [35:35] 


* Tips for supporting your mental health and maintaining balance
as an entrepreneur. [41:12] 


Follow Sarah:


* Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xosarahflint/


* Company
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahflint_nyc/ 


* Website: https://www.sarahflint.com/ 


Follow Yasmin:


* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/


* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter:
https://www.behindherempire.com/


For Behind Her Empire Listeners, Sarah has generously provided a
discount code for $50! Use the promo below on your next purchase
:)


$50 Off Discount
Code: SARAHFLINT-BEHINDHEREMPIRE


Window of
Availability: 11/30/20 through 12/31/20





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