Los Angeles based designer, Alejandra G, offers a bold and daring shoe collection that challenges conventional boundaries. The unique individualism, embodied by her overall design aesthetic, has captured the attention of celebrity fans such as Paula Abdul, Giuliana Rancic, Carmen Electra, Kimora Simmons, Taryn Manning, Carly Rae Jepsen, Audrina Patridge and Tamera Mowry. Owner and designer, Alejandra G. was a former producer and later studied in Milan where she eventually mastered the art of shoe design. With styles ranging from studded sandals to platform pumps, this designer-to-watch has surely made a lasting impression with her awe-inspiring shoes. By launching her first collection in 2011, Alejandra G has created attention-grabbing pieces that make an unforgettable statement when paired with any outfit.
The Source.com recently had the chance to chat with the beautiful Alejandra and she shared some of her secrets to following your dreams to success!
How did you get into the shoe designing business?
I actually decided to become a designer over a dream I had. I had a dream about shoes and I feel like it was a calling from a God. I was in a good career at the time, I was a TV producer. I loved my job, but the dream was so vivid, I could not stop thinking about these shoes! The next day I started sketching shoes and I’m not even a good sketcher, (laughs) I was just trying to bring the vision to life. I don’t know what came over me, I called my job and said I’m not going to this anymore I’m going to pursue shoe design. I took a leap of faith and went after it. I called all my resources to find someone in the shoe business and it all went from there.
Did you expect to see your vision come to life so quickly?
A lot of people in the shoe business comment me on how quickly I’ve taken off , you look at some of the greats that have been out for over 20 years and just got heard of in the past 7 or 8 years and for me to only be out for 2 years i wouldn’t say I expected it, I just worked really hard so I think I deserve it.
What mission did you want to accomplish with your brand?
Every woman wants a great quality shoe in high fashion and most people can’t afford to spend $800 on a shoe like that so my thing is… high end fashion at a more affordable price. When I first started that’s exactly what I wanted to do. If people only knew how expensive my materials are… I fight all the time with my factory. I use all the best materials from Italy and I’m selling them for under $400. Most of my shoes range from $220 to $350 but I really fight to have the quality and same material as any other big brand.
Your shoes are amazing and in high demand, how do you differ from other designers such as Valentino and Louboutin?
They are not even my competitors because they are in a different price point. I think a lot of designers are scared to take risks. They are into mass production instead of being risky. Of course every girl needs a plain black pump a plain red pump, but I go against the grain. Although that’s an incredible compliment, that’s not my competition. Until I do a couture line, I don’t have to worry about competing with the big guys. But once I do, I’m coming with some heat!
What would you tell another woman looking to follow their dreams and start their own business?
If you don’t take a risk, you’re never going to know what will happen. I took a chance when I left my job. There’s so much behind it. People think you make a lot of money but you lose money before you start making it. If you love it, it will show, I literally eat and sleep this company. No one that sits on their butt is going to see any movement in moving forward.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I want an empire–a fashion house. I want to do handbags, men’s shoes, a couture collection, perfume….that’s where I see myself and I want to open my flagship stores in NY and LA. I’m a perfectionist so I want everything to be done correctly. Its not about making money. I have a lot of things going on right now, I’m going to partner up with a celebrity friend of mine to do sneakers.
Can we have a hint?
He is an R&B singer…
Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your shoes?
Everyone knows Jennifer Lopez is my idol, but I don’t usually reach out to celebrities. It’s not all about seeing celebrities in my shoes, I’d rather see 100 regular girls walking the street with my shoes, that’s why I call it high fashion at a more affordable price.
The Source Salutes Alejandra G and we look forward to watching her build her fashion house!
Scroll down for a peek at these awesome shoes and shop online at:
www.AlejandraG.com and Follow Alejandra G on Instagram: @Its_Alejandra_G
Twitter: @Its_Alejandra_G
