In celebration of Women’s History Month, Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) highlights inspiring female entrepreneurs shaping the retail industry. In this installment, we chat with Erika Carrero, founder and creative director of Elizée, an ultra-wearable luxe high heel brand handcrafted in Italy. We explore Erika’s journey, the challenges she’s faced, how her experience in finance prepared her to launch a shoe brand, how Elizée commits to sustainability, and more.
Women in Retail Leadership Circle: Can you share the origin story of Elizée?
Erika Carrero: I’ve always loved living life in heels. From the moment I was old enough to wear them, heels became part of my style, making me feel confident, taller, and put-together.
Before launching Elizée, I was a finance executive, traveling constantly, going from meetings to business dinners, always in heels. I needed to look polished, but by the end of the day my feet were in pain. I realized there wasn’t a luxury heel that was truly comfortable and wearable, and I kept thinking about how I would design one if I had the chance.
That thought stayed with me and sparked the entrepreneurial bug in me. I started learning about the footwear industry, took classes in Milan, and spent time understanding what goes into making a high-heel that delivers true comfort. I worked closely with Italian artisans, podiatrists, and engineers to rethink traditional shoe construction. After rounds of refinement and perfecting every detail — from materials to arch support to pressure distribution — Elizée was born.
WIRLC: You started your career in finance, making your way up in the corporate world and in a male-dominated industry. What challenges did you face?
EC: My time in finance was a great and rewarding stage in my life. From the start, I focused on working hard, constantly learning and, when I moved into leadership, elevating my team — which led to high-performance teams and strong results. I let my work speak for itself.
But as I moved up, having a voice in the room became more challenging. In executive meetings, I had to be bold in key moments, speak up, and back my ideas with results to be taken seriously. At times, my male colleagues commented on my accent, my height, or spoke to me in a condescending way. I chose not to focus on that. Instead, I put my energy into delivering results, leading my team, and proving my value through my work.
It wasn’t always easy, and it can be intimidating, but I learned that pushing through discomfort and trusting your expertise is what earns respect. I knew I was just as capable — if not more — than my peers, and I made sure my contributions reflected that.
WIRLC: How did you go from finance to founder of a shoe brand?
EC: It wasn’t an overnight shift. While I was still in finance, I started taking design courses and researching the industry. I spent years studying footwear, attending trade shows, and meeting with manufacturers.
When the company I was working for was acquired, I had a choice — continue my career in finance or take the leap and build something of my own. I decided to go for it, using my business background to build a brand and my passion for design to create something truly innovative. By that time, I already had a team in Italy, designs, and a promising prototype.
WIRLC: What advice do you have for other female entrepreneurs?
EC: Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, and that’s OK. Surround yourself with experts, ask for advice, and keep learning.
Also, trust your instincts. Women often feel like they need to be 100 percent prepared before making a move, but if you have a vision, follow it with confidence. And don’t be afraid to take up space and advocate for yourself — whether it’s in a boardroom, a factory, or a pitch meeting.
WIRLC: What footwear trends are you most excited about in 2025?
EC: Jewelry-inspired details are everywhere — crystal embellishments and metallic finishes that make shoes feel like statement accessories. We’re seeing this across runways, and it’s a trend that fits perfectly with our Fiorella Sandals, which have shimmering crystal-encrusted straps that add just the right amount of sparkle.
Snakeskin is also making a big comeback, and our Adriana Sandals, our No. 1 bestseller, are right in line with this trend. The textured python-print leather adds a bold, edgy and refined touch, making them the perfect statement heel for day or night. We’re also bringing back a style from our first collection in snakeskin, and it already has a waitlist!
Another trend I love is the peep toe, and our Bella bootie fits right in. It also features lace, a detail that dominated the 2025 runways, adding a feminine and sophisticated touch to the design.
WIRLC: Your products are organic, plastic-free, and ethnically sourced; you call this “slow, sustainable fashion” on your site. Why was this important to you, and what are the supply chain challenges associated with this?
EC: Sustainability was a must from day one. Luxury shouldn’t only be beautiful but also responsible. That’s why we work exclusively with certified Italian tanneries, use plastic-free materials, and produce in small batches to minimize waste.
The challenge is that sustainable sourcing can be more expensive, and high-end factories typically prefer large production runs. I’ve built a strong partnership with our factory. It believes in what we’re creating. I believe in quality over quantity — each pair of Elizée heels is made and priced with care, using the best materials, and designed to last. That’s how we’re making our mark in the industry: a laser focus on product, true luxury, and pricing that reflects the quality and added value of our insoles — without unnecessary markups. Sustainability isn’t just a feature of our brand; it’s part of our commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship and long-lasting luxury.
WIRLC: What’s next for Elizée?
EC: Growth and expansion. We’re continuing to develop new styles and refine our technology to push the boundaries of comfort in luxury footwear.
We’re also focusing on expanding wholesale domestically. While e-commerce continues to grow, having key retail partners is important for scaling and reaching more women who want to experience our shoes in person and our customers are asking for it! Internationally, we’re looking at key emerging markets where there’s strong demand for luxury footwear.
Beyond that, I want to continue building a brand that empowers women — not just through our shoes but through our community and presence in the fashion industry. This is just the beginning.