Meet Erika Carrero

Hi Erika, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room, especially as a Hispanic, petite woman in a male-dominated industry like finance, was not easy. Early in my career, as a finance executive, I often found myself in rooms filled with male executives, and getting heard felt like a constant challenge. But over time, I learned to assert myself. It wasn’t comfortable at first—I had to speak up and push past that discomfort to make sure my voice was heard. The key was understanding my own value and knowing that I had something important to contribute, even when it felt like I was the minority in the room.

Heels became my secret weapon during those times – they gave me a physical presence that matched the confidence I wanted to show. I realized that something as simple as a reliable pair of heels could make me feel taller, more assertive, and ready to take on any challenge. They weren’t just about style—they were about feeling confident, and that feeling carried into every aspect of my work, from making key presentations to negotiating deals.

Now, leading my own shoe company, I’ve continued to push myself in ways I never expected, whether it’s making presentations in front of hundreds of people, appearing on TV, or negotiating with suppliers overseas. My journey has reinforced what I’ve always believed—when you find something that gives you confidence, whether it’s your voice or your shoes, it’s transformative. The right heels don’t just help you move forward; they help you rise to every occasion, giving you the strength to assert yourself and claim your space in the room, no matter who else is there.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Erika Carrero, the Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of Elizée, a luxury footwear brand that combines Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge comfort technology. At Elizée, we design high heels that offer both beauty and all-day comfort—something I’ve always felt was missing in the market. The most exciting part about what we do is that we’re redefining what women expect from their shoes. You no longer have to choose between looking stylish and feeling comfortable. Every pair we create is designed to empower women, allowing them to move confidently and comfortably through their day, whether they’re running to meetings or attending an evening event.

What’s special about Elizée is our unique insole technology, which incorporates materials developed for the aerospace industry, providing exceptional shock absorption and support. This focus on innovation, combined with the luxurious craftsmanship of our Italian artisans, sets us apart. Every shoe is meticulously crafted, ensuring both elegance and wearability, making sure women feel great inside and out.

As for what’s new, we’re in the process of expanding our collection to include more versatile styles that can be worn for different occasions. We’ve also been working on expanding our geographic reach, with plans to launch in new international markets soon. It’s an exciting time for us, and we can’t wait to continue growing while staying true to our mission of creating stylish, comfortable, and empowering footwear for women.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I would say the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, a willingness to take risks, and the ability to continuously learn.

Resilience: Starting a business, especially in a competitive industry like luxury footwear, involves many challenges and setbacks. My background in operational finance prepared me for some of the business complexities, but there were always new obstacles—whether it was navigating production issues or entering a market dominated by legacy brands. The key was to stay resilient and keep moving forward. For anyone early in their journey, I would say embrace challenges as part of the process. Don’t let setbacks discourage you; they often lead to the most valuable lessons.

Willingness to Take Risks: Transitioning from a career in finance to founding a luxury shoe brand was a big leap. I had to trust my instincts and believe in my vision, even when it felt uncertain. Taking risks, especially when there so much of you invested on it, can be intimidating, but it’s necessary for growth. My advice here is to take calculated risks. It’s important to do your research and have a solid plan, but don’t let fear stop you from pursuing your passion.

Continuous Learning: I had to learn everything about the footwear industry—from design and manufacturing to working with Italian artisans. My love for learning, whether it was taking courses or seeking advice from mentors, was crucial. For those early in their journey, I recommend staying curious and open to self improvement. Surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable in areas you want to grow, and never stop seeking opportunities to expand your skills.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to prioritize my education and raise me to be independent. They always emphasized how important it was to get a good education, not just for career success but as a foundation for independence. They supported me, but they also made sure I knew how to find my own way—especially when it came to affording university. I worked and studied full time to cover my tuition, and my parents were always there to remind me how capable I was, even when it felt overwhelming.

Growing up, they pushed me harder than my brothers and called me strong-willed, even during moments when I felt my weakest. But hearing them call me strong helped me believe in my own strength, reminding me that resilience and perseverance can take you far. They gave me the confidence to stand on my own, financially and emotionally.

Their belief in education and independence gave me the foundation to take risks—whether it was juggling work and school or later launching Elizée. And that mindset is something I carry with me every day, knowing I can find the strength and determination to make things work, no matter how tough the journey.