Ep 26 | Sarah Flint

Written By Yasmin Nouri
Sarah

Taking Control of Your Own Destiny

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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.

Show Notes

  • 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] 

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Yasmin Nouri
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