Meet Felicia

 

Hey there!  

I am Felicia, I would like to share a glimpse of who I am and why S.H.O.E came to be. I am a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and friend and cheerful giver. My heart is filled when others smile. I believe that change is a choice and that we can choose to change our narrative no matter where we are in life.  Growing up in Chicago, I didn't have expensive clothes or shoes. I would see other kids dress in clothing I wished I could wear, but such thoughts were transitory since I was more worried about what the day would bring than anything else. As I grew older, shoes and fashion evolved into my deepest passion. Though I wasn't "runway" material, I used to have secret aspirations of becoming a Calvin Klein model like the ones I saw on city buses, or a high fashion runway model like on television.

The beginning of changing my narrative.

When I was sixteen, I took my first job to earn money for my first pair of red pumps, they were red pointed toe leather pumps with a red leather bow on the back which cost me $100. I saved up for them and was able to buy them. That was the first time I felt in control.

After purchasing my first pump, I needed and sought out an outfit with accessories to match my red pumps. And thus, my journey with fashion began. I had a French cuff blouse that was one of my favorite pieces in my outfits. French cuffs captured my heart, and I dreamed of creating my own collection of French cuff blouses. At the same time, I wanted to help others as I understood what it was like to want and not have.

I didn't understand how fortunate I was to have two (2) mothers, who gave me a balance in both worlds. Not long after my adopted mother's death from cancer, my biological mother, who had grown to be my confidante and best friend, was diagnosed with cancer. During her illness, I brought her a pair of blue suede shearling house shoes, which she liked and continued to wear until she too passed away. I kept her shoes when she died. One day, while sitting at my table I looked down at my feet and thought of my mom, her strength, and her plight of helping others. I thought to myself, "I could wear your shoes, but I can never walk your path," as I stared down at my feet in her shoes. Despite HIV, cancer and a gang of socioeconomic obstacles, my mother’s both overcame. They both gave a lot and still found the time to provide support to others, gave and took chances, shared knowledge, and chose change.  They were not defined by their circumstances.

My mothers had triumphed. And from them I chose my S.H.O.E. to Serve others, provide Hope, Overcome obstacles, encourage others to Evolve.  The Stiletto shoe symbolizes balance, strength, poise while the rainbow ribboning symbolizes Unity. Each day we choose what SHOE to wear.

Change is a choice.  

 As acknowledgment and tribute, I have formed a multi-faceted LLC, The Shoe Collection, focused on philanthropy and fashion.