In this episode, Katie Greenyer chats to Sophia Webster – artist, entrepreneur, ‘boss-lady’, and Mum who is known for her joyful, playful, feminine shoes that are instantly recognisable. Sophia tells the story of her journey into footwear from a degree course at the London College of Fashion to a Masters at the Royal College of Art. Throughout her student training, she sought internships with the designers she wanted to emulate; her first post-degree collection and collaboration with Browns in Mayfair was a sellout.
Sophia’s appeal is global – her fabulous shoes with their distinctive butterfly branding are available in over 200 retailers around the world. She opened her first boutique in London in 2016 with a second store just two years later. Her book: ‘Oh my gosh, I love your shoes!’ was published in October 2023.
Sophia’s story is one of tenacity and determination. Rejection she says is really important – ‘it’s like a test of what you really want’. Her message is always to play the long game. Don’t compare yourself with other shoemakers, manage your own expectations but be true to your unique vision. And she’s giving back to charity with an important collaboration with Butterfly Conservation helping to highlight two of the United Kingdom’s most endangered butterflies.
Sophia is an icon for emerging footwear designers – proof that resilience, talent, and determination will out. It’s a brilliant podcast for anyone thinking can I make it in fashion? She’s a lady on a mission to get everyone – including Barbie – wearing the most fabulous shoes and that includes extending the range up to size 13 the first high-end shoe designer to be truly available to all. And yes, seeing her first shoes on display gave her ‘butterflies’.