Theresa Ebagua from Corporate America to Celebrity Footwear Designer & How to Succeed as an Outsider

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Theresa Ebagua pursued her dream of becoming a luxury shoe designer after studying computer science, getting her MBA, and working in corporate America for ten years. As a Nigerian-born, LA and London-based luxury footwear designer, she founded Chelsea Paris, a luxury footwear brand, in 2012 inspired by her African heritage and named after her two daughters. Her mother's passing made her realize that life is short and there is no better time than the present to pursue her passion. Many celebrities, including Zendaya, Beyonce, Lupita, and Selena, have worn Chelsea Paris. Theresa acknowledges that the footwear industry is tough, but her initial ignorance of its difficulties helped her persevere and realize this dream. The ethos of her brand is craftsmanship, sustainability, and giving back. Chelsea Paris shoes are designed in London and expertly handcrafted in small artisan factories in Italy. In this episode, we discuss Theresa's determination to make it in an industry dominated by people who didn't look like her. As an outsider in a white male-dominated industry, Theresa faced challenges. She recalls people assuming she was the salesperson at trunk shows and even some advisors suggesting that she had a new "face" of the brand represented by a white man. Theresa shares her journey of making it, her early supporters like Barneys, who took a chance on her, the importance of community and paying it forward, the role of identity in fashion, and the challenges of managing a successful business. Lastly, Theresa shares her approach to self-care and the importance of giving herself that one hour.