In the world of social media influencers-turned-entrepreneurs, the D’Amelio family is making their mark with D’Amelio Footwear, a brand that combines fashion and comfort in a way that resonates with their audience.
Led by the famous TikTok sensations Charli and Dixie D’Amelio and their family, D’Amelio Footwear is redefining what it means to create a successful line of shoes.
Charli D’Amelio said, “It’s been great because they’re our shoes. So, if we don’t like this one little thing, they can change it.
And we can make sure that everything that D’Amelio Footwear puts out is something that we love and that we know other people will love; because we’ve tested it, we’ve tried it, we’ve worn it for hours.
Every single part of it is something that really matters to us. And I think it’s just been awesome being able to do this with my entire family.”
The D’Amelio’s decision to enter the footwear industry, instead of pursuing more traditional ventures like beauty, sets them apart from their peers.
“We don’t want to do traditional things. I mean what I think why people were so excited. It’s why we got into footwear as opposed to getting into makeup,” explained Marc D’Amelio.
Behind the scenes, the D’Amelios have an experienced team guiding their journey.
Marc D’Amelio said, “The woman that is actually our head designer, Lauren DiCicco, is from our hometown. And she ended up having a 20-year incredible career in the footwear business.
And when we started to build brands, I asked her to come over, and she jumped at it. We would never be able to get this done without her and people who’ve been doing this a long time.”
The inspiration for D’Amelio Footwear came from a desire to address the common pitfalls of stylish shoes.
“We love shoes but there was always a but with them. Like, ‘These shoes are so cute, but I got blisters. Or, those shoes are cute but my toes are numb so now I can’t walk for three days because they hurt so bad.’
And I go to a lot of red carpets, and events, so I’m in high heels quite a lot. So, it’s nice to be able to make shoes that are not only really beautiful to look at but are also very comfortable and easy to walk in,” explained Charli D’Amelio, shedding light on the brand’s focus on both style and comfort.
The D’Amelios aim to create a brand that transcends age boundaries.
Heidi D’Amelio said, “Dixie and Charlie and I are putting our stamp on what the line looks like. But we’re from very different age groups. So, I just love the way that it crosses over.
And there’s something for everyone. And if it’s not in this launch, it’s coming.
So, I just want people, when they think of D’Amelio Footwear, not to think of it as just a kid’s brand. There are women and friends and family that have been looking at the shoes and are so excited. Like, ‘That’s so me!’ So, it spans age ranges.”
For the D’Amelios, success goes beyond monetary gain and Charli shared some advice for young entrepreneurs.
She said, “I would say making money is one thing. But to be able to work in a field for a long period of time, do the things that interest you, and go after things that you care about and enjoy; that way, it doesn’t always feel like work. And if it doesn’t feel like work, it’s pretty fun!”
Marc D’Amelio encourages young people to focus on building their personal brand and pursuing their passions.
He said, “I say, work on your personal brand, and grow that and do things that you enjoy. I think it’s amazing for young people now because the barrier of entry and your access to the end consumer is way different when I was young.
Now, if you have a really cool product, and a cool idea, you’re good. You put it up on a social media platform and go direct to the consumer.”
With D’Amelio Footwear, the D’Amelio family has not only created a successful brand but also a community that resonates with their audience.
By prioritizing both style and comfort, and by staying true to their values, they have established themselves as dynamic entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the fashion industry.
As they continue to expand their brand, D’Amelio Footwear will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, inspiring others to pursue their passions and redefine what it means to be a successful entrepreneur.
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