You may have seen here on Dragons Den talking shop with Arlene Dickinson, or you may have worn her creation back to your condo from dinner/ drinks last night, but have you met Hailey Coleman (online, at least), founder of Damn Heels? Hailey Coleman is a young Toronto professional with a humble yet tenacious drive to create and succeed in running her own business. Her business Damn Heels has become a hit for women of all ages and a saviour for their feet! Get to know Hailey Coleman from Damn Heels.
Notable: What is your Name and age?
Hailey Coleman: Hailey Coleman 23
Notable: What is the name of your business and what industry is it in? Please include a link to your website, facebook page, twitter handle (if you want), here.
Hailey Coleman: Damn Heels Website: www.damnheels.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/damnheels
Twitter: www.twitter.com/damnheels
Blog: www.damnheels.tumblr.com
Notable: Elevator Pitch (we just met on an elevator, we have 30 seconds together in the elevator, please describe your business):
Hailey Coleman: Damn Heels is saving women from their (beloved) damn heels. We’ve introduced sexy, fold-up flats tuck into a pouch that expands into a trendy tote bag. Women can slip their sore feet into the soft-sided flats and their heels into the tote. Perfect for any women for the to-and-from commute to work, a night on the town, traveling, at weddings and events, and they make great gifts! And gentlemen, Damn Heels is saving you too… from piggybacks when your girl can’t walk anymore.
Notable: Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Hailey Coleman: After an hour-long post part walk home I decided that walking the streets barefoot was a faux pas that could – and needed – to be prevented.
Notable: What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Hailey Coleman: I love developing the company and the creative freedom.
Notable: What is the most challenging part of your business?
Hailey Coleman: Each step of development has been a challenge; hiring designers, learning how to import/export, hiring sales representatives, etc, but I think it’s the most exciting part too.
Notable: Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Hailey Coleman: I’d love to build The Damn Empire providing convenient solutions for women. We’ve also launched Damn Straight; coin operated hair-straightening irons for women’s washrooms. But who knows? I’ll get back to you in 5 years.
Notable: Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Hailey Coleman: Go for it. Starting is the hardest part.
Notable: What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
Hailey Coleman: Our Damn Heels.
Notable: What does success look like to you?
Hailey Coleman: I already feel successful. Failure is not trying.
Notable: What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Hailey Coleman: Making the first Damn Heels sample.
Notable: Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Hailey Coleman: We’ve supported a number of charities including motionball for Special Olympics Canada, and New Beginnings. Damn Heels wants so save women from more than their damn heels so we’re always on the lookout for other fabulous organizations.
Notable: What is Notable to you?
Hailey Coleman: Anyone going for his/her dream.
Notable: Anything Else?
Hailey Coleman: Casie Stewart put it nicely: Watch us, we’re going places!