What Sparkles the Most Joy for Me as a Shoe Designer?

It was spring 2024, and mesh ballet flats were trending everywhere. All of a sudden I see women wearing them everywhere I go.

But I noticed something was lacking on these shoes. Everyone seemed to be wearing the same types of ballet flats - either they were all plain black and white, or they were with tiny studs or identical rhinestones, lacking somewhat of a personality.

As someone who lives by the mantra “Go big or go home,” I felt like I could jazz up the shoes to make them feel more me - fun, vibrant, sparkly and most importantly, comfortable!

So I rolled up my sleeves, bought a pair of plain white mesh flats, ordered rhinestones of all shapes and sizes (plus glue and syringes), and got to work customizing my own pair.

As a shoe lover, I love plenty of shoes so I can admire them from my shoe shelves, but I am also that practical urban fashionista who like to wear all my shoes as often as I can for all occasions.

When I customized this pair of white sparkly rhinestone flats, I envisioned them as more than just everyday shoes. I saw a bride-to-be slipping them on for her bachelorette or bridal shower—radiant, vibrant, and fashionably comfortable without having to endure painful high heels she’d never wear again (trust me, I’ve been there). I imagined bridesmaids dancing the night away, or stylish women striding confidently through the city—from boardrooms to rooftop dinners. I wanted these shoes to be bold, beautiful, and unexpectedly joyful—because comfort should never mean compromising on sparkle.

When I posted the finished pair on Instagram, my dear friend Yulia DM-ed me instantly. She asked if I could make her a version—but in black, with black rhinestones. I told her, “Let’s see what happens,” but deep down, I already knew the answer. Of course I would.

We were planning to meet for dinner in LA later in September, so I customized the shoes and brought them with me from New York, hoping to surprise her. The joy on Yulia’s face when she opened the bag and slipped on the shoes was everything. She was completely surprised—and seeing her light up with happiness reminded me why I design shoes in the first place. It’s not just about style or trends. It’s about creating something meaningful, something that makes someone feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated. That moment with her added a little sparkle to both our lives—and those are the stories I want every pair of my shoes to carry.

Because life is already serious enough—why not wear something fun, vibrant, and full of sparkle to brighten your day?

Want to add some sparkle to your story?

Shop my best-selling rhinestone mesh flats—designed for dancing, daring, and dazzling through life. ✨ Summer sale ends soon, so don't wait!

Click here to shop now, or DM me for custom requests!