Photo Credit: Orin Fleurimont
Most enterprise is birthed out of a personal need or interest. Steve Jobs' fascination with calligraphy led to the first time most have ever seen beautiful typography on a computer. And Shantel Jackson's fancy for fashion and comfort has brought us the first outer-sole pad for high-heeled shoes. Read all about Shoe Gummi, innovation, entrepreneurship, and more.
Congratulations on the official launch of Shoe Gummi! Clearly this comes from personal experience with you wearing high-heeled shoes, what should wearers expect when slipping on the outer-sole pad for a night out or even a casual day?
First, thank you. It’s really been a long time coming from conception to launching. The idea was born out of my own selfish need to find a comfortable solution for my high heels. Once I realized this was something that women all over the world could benefit from, I knew I had to pursue it. When wearers slip on my little slice of heaven, they can expect an immediate sigh of relief while wearing their high heels. Being able to walk with more confidence and spend more time enjoying a date night, girls' night out, casual day, or regular workday with less worry about their feet was really my whole mission.
Describe the process of product development? How long did it take?
My product development process was roughly five years in the making. I began researching the high heel comfort and orthotics market making sure there was nothing like Shoe Gummi. Then, I contacted a patent lawyer to start my patent application, which was a two and a half year process!
During that timeframe, I worked on the development and design process; paying extra attention to materials. [I really wanted] to ensure an exceptional product for the customer. Finding the right adhesive was extremely important as well.
How is Shoe Gummi a disruptor in the footwear orthotics industry?
Shoe Gummi is disrupting the industry as it is the first and only product of its kind. Insoles exist on the market but honestly, if they worked the way they are supposed to, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Shoe Gummi is an outer-sole pad applied externally to the bottom of your heels. It's more effective in offering high heel comfort because it doesn't overcrowd the already limited space within the shoe.
That's great! Now, people love to ridicule models and reality television stars when they decide to launch their own businesses. How do you deal with both public and private naysayers?
I’ve learned a long time ago to stop caring about the opinions of others. It's less stress and no headaches. I have too much going on with my multiple businesses and personal life to focus on those things. I’d rather focus on what’s important and continue building my empire. I aim to empower women to be innovative, determined, and authentic in whatever they do. I think more energy should be spent uplifting one another instead of criticizing.
Well said. Many blogs and websites try to pigeonhole public figures based on their relationship status. How do you manage to hone yourself as a household name without the association of whom you're dating?
I prefer to put energy into entrepreneurship, personal goals, and bettering my life as a whole. I let my innovation and work speak for themselves. After all, whatever you do, good or bad, people will always have something to say about you and that’s just life. I am happy in my personal life and prefer to keep most details private.
As a businesswoman, you show leadership and empower other women and young girls who aspire to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. Who are the women that inspire you? In what ways do you aim to push that narrative?
Some women who inspire me include JLo, Cher and Tina Turner. [You know], I really do believe that you can do anything that you put your mind to.
The key is to be consistent and not lose sight of your vision. In this society, people are quick to drop what they’re working on unless they see results right away. I’ve learned that patience and persistence is the key to success.
My patience was tested on several occasions while developing Shoe Gummi and there were many times I felt like giving up, but I stuck with it. Now, I have a product that serves a purpose far beyond me, which is to help women across the globe find comfort in their high heels in a way that hasn’t been done before.
Aside from Shoe Gummi, what’s next for Shantel Jackson?
Aside from Shoe Gummi, I’m working on extending my line of luxury cosmetic headbands and lashes by Fanci Goods and increasing awareness around my line of exfoliating sponges by Chic Beaute which really are the best for all types of skin, even for guys.
You may also see me in a movie or two later this year!
Stay Connected:
Instagram: @MissJackson / ShoeGummi.com
FanciGoods.com / MyChicBeaute.com