“My desire to design larger sized shoes for women was a result of both my love for fashion as well as a necessity to find fashionable shoes in larger sizes.”

Interview by Mike Sullivan of Sully’s Blog

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Kathryn Kerrigan’s love for fashion was evident from an early age as she admired her Grandmother Dottie’s luxurious wardrobe.  Her foundation in  business and social affairs, Kathryn’s double majors in politics and history from Lake Forest College (Illinois), alongside an MBA awarded from Loyola University of Chicago (2005), prepared her with the tools she needed to start a business. Five years later, not only is Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc a  growing success, but also a dream come true to Kathryn and countless women around the world.  Furthermore, the Kathryn Kerrigan brand has officially reached the status of being a household name in a number homes and wardrobes.  Kathryn has been featured as one of Inc. Magazine’s “Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs Under 30.”

Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc., based in Libertyville Illinois, provides high fashion women’s shoes in sizes 6 – 15.  The company began with online sales and quickly worked it’s products in to boutiques.  The first retail location opened in Libertyville, IL.

MO:
I understand you’re 6 feet tall and played basketball in college.  Tell me how this played into your interest in designing larger sized shoes for women.  Was it out of necessity or a love for fashion?

Kathryn:
I was tall from a young age, and all of my girlfriends that I played basketball with were tall too.  My desire to design larger sized shoes for women was a result of both my love for fashion as well as a necessity to find fashionable shoes in larger sizes.

MO:
You initially operated out of your home through your website only.  When did you know it was time to open a physical retail storefront?  Was the move from a virtual business to actual store locations a difficult transition?  How many stores do you have today?

Kathryn:
I originally realized that I needed some sort of brick and mortar representation when I received countless weekly phone calls from women wanting to try on the shoes.  It was not that difficult of a transition, but it forced me to analyze and consider to consumer and purchasing patterns and bring to life the Kathryn Kerrigan brand in a retail setting.  So again, it is not that it was difficult – just a different way of thinking and operating.

MO:
You created your business just after receiving your MBA.  You were young and fresh out of school.  How were you able to start a business and get the money you needed to launch?  Did you raise capital or take out a loan to begin?

Kathryn:
I took my knowledge from my MBA, and developed a lengthy business plan.  From there I presented my business plan to a local community bank to receive a business loan.

MO: Your website has one of the longest lists of press coverage that I have seen.  Especially for a company just 5 years old.  This is a testament to your success as well as your marketing savvy.  Did you have some assistance in promoting your business?

Kathryn:
No, I did not have any help, and I knew I did not have the advertising dollars needed to develop any larger campaigns.  This is why I turned to the media to spread the brand.

MO:
How many different styles do you carry?  Do you create your own designs?  Have you considered adding other products to your line in the near future?

Kathryn:
I currently design 30-50 styles per season, and we are looking to launch additional products including handbags, possibly clothes, and possibly a collection for the tween market.

MO:
As a young entrepreneur, what have been the largest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

Kathryn:
One would be believing in myself that I could do it.  Being in a highly competitive industry, where my competitors are backed with a lot of financial support, it was daunting at first, but I knew I had to stay true to my dream and business.  Additionally, with any small and starting business, cash flow is difficult to master outright, in terms of developing a smooth even flow of money in, and money out.  That being said, it was imperative that I do my best to be cognizant of what financially took place within my business.