Brand Discovery: Sarah Flint
Sarah Flint’s shoes are concurrently timeless and modern while exuding quality. I discovered Sarah Flint, the brand, in early 2019. I didn't know Sarah, the founder, at first, but I was immediately drawn to her merchandise upon clicking through her website. I love her shoes because they're aesthetically pleasing, which is very important to me, but also because they're comfortable. And even more so, since learning about the design process, Sarah stood her ground with the production facilities and insisted that comfort features be incorporated into her shoes - when many luxury footwear brands bypass this entirely.
As part of my business and personal interests, I spend countless hours on Instagram and fashion-related media platforms seeking and researching new brands. Always with the intent to share new brands and products with clients and the community. Whether in person, on my newsletter and social media, or at my SALON events, there are many emerging brands today creating beautiful and elevated new products. Plus, who doesn't love to find something new and worthwhile, and share it!
Sarah and I were introduced after I had breakfast last summer with our mutual friend, Reshma Chamberlin (Summersalt co-founder). Reshma and I were chatting about who I was considering for the upcoming SALON event series, and Sarah was at the top of my list. Reshma immediately lit up, sharing that she and Sarah were friends, and she'd be delighted to make an introduction.
Soon after, Sarah and I chatted about the event, and she enthusiastically agreed to come to SALON in St. Louis for her first visit with the brand, fabulous shoes in tow. Since that time, we've worked together and have built our own friendship. It's gone from a professional friendship to friends who are professionals. This isn't the case with everyone; I know that. But in this instance, I'm introducing you to my friend, who also happens to create amazing shoes.
All photography by: Stacie Flinner
Sarah Flint fall 2019 pop-up in SoHo, NYC
DESKSIDE CHAT WITH SARAH
How and where did the idea/launch of Sarah Flint begin?
I initially launched my brand in 2013 at the age of 25 with a design ethos centered around style without sacrifice. I was frustrated that women had to choose between feeling good and looking great. My shoes marry artisanal quality and innovation to bring women footwear that is classically elegant on the outside and packed with comfort-driven design on the inside.
In five words or less, how would you describe Sarah Flint the brand?
Customer-first luxury, elegant, thoughtful
What/when was your “aha” moment, when you decided you wanted to design shoes?
I absolutely loved art and design from a young age - ever since I fell in love with my first pair of patent leather tap shoes at age five! I came to New York to study Accessories Design at FIT and interned at large design houses throughout college. I think part of me always knew I’d end up designing shoes.
In 2018 you pivoted your business strategy to direct-to-consumer, stepping away from wholesale accounts and selling online through your website/digital channels. Additionally, this past year you opened your first pop-up in NYC. What has the transition into digital, coupled with temporary physical retail done for growing your brand awareness and engaging with customers?
While not without risks, moving to a direct-to-consumer model has been the best decision we’ve ever made as a brand. It has allowed us to disrupt a broken model and attract a whole new generation of luxury consumers with better prices, original designs, and a brand voice empowering women. We’re exploring physical retail with more pop-up shops this year, which is very exciting! Interacting with our customers is my greatest joy, so having the space to do that has been a dream come true.
Sarah in the Alysia x Gravati
Alexandra 50 boots in action
As a digitally native vertical brand, how do you engage your customers around the fit of an item that most people have to try on?
We have a wonderful customer service team devoted to helping customers find the right fit and style for every occasion. They advise on how the different materials we use mold to your feet over time and what styles are best for your specific wants and needs. We understand that nothing compares to trying on a shoe in person (I assure you that once you feel the comfort features, there’s no turning back!), so we offer free exchanges and returns to create the best possible experience for our customers.
Shoes are different than other categories in fashion in that they show signs of wear faster than other categories. Do you provide services or care insights to customers on how to keep their Sarah Flint shoes in quality condition?
We offer complimentary cobbler services for our customers and will reimburse any customer who prefers to go to their local cobbler. Our shoes are designed to stand the test of time with the proper care and we’re always trying to educate customers on best practices.
SHOP PERFECT PUMPS
I frequently hear from new clients and friends that they have their 4” plus heels pushed towards the back of their closets. Gone are the days of regularly reaching for unwavering added height and numb toes.
I appreciate Sarah Flint’s Perfect Pumps because no matter the height (they come in 2”, 3.35”, and 4” high heels), they bring comfort to the forefront compared to many other beautiful stilettos I own and make for ease when I add the final touch to my look. The arch support feels like a pillow cloud the moment you slip your foot in. When I get dressed, I reach for the 85mm (3.35”) and can get away with wearing them all day, with no issue.
An offer for you! Receive $50 Off Sarah Flint Shoes
Enter code BALAURA50 at checkout
Seamless Ordering. Free shipping over $150. Free Returns. Discount code applied to first-time orders/new customers.
Sarah’s inspiration/mood board from her office
You’ve developed and implemented special features in your shoes, focused on comfort and long term wear. Why and when did you decide you wanted to approach women’s shoe design with equal attention to detail in style and comfort?
I knew comfort would be the key differentiator for the brand since day one. During my time at FIT it puzzled me that the shoes women spent the most money on were the ones that made your toes numb and eventually ended up at the back of your closet. I saw a real opportunity in the market to create beautifully designed, handmade shoes that didn't sacrifice style for comfort.
What are the best parts of running your business? What are the challenges?
The best part of running my own business is seeing the growth of the community of women around the brand. From my wonderful team to all of the women we feature from various industries, it’s so rewarding to see women come together and support one another. The biggest challenge is to stay focused - it’s easy to get distracted by the constant stream of advice and suggestions that I receive. It’s important to keep focused on my initial vision and mission for the brand.
What does your typical/ideal day at Sarah Flint look like?
My typical day involves a lot of meetings. My ideal day would leave a bit more time for me to sit down and design.
How do you get into the creative mindset amidst running the business?
I love setting aside time to think creatively and come up with new designs but it’s not always easy with my schedule. I find that blocking off full days (so that I don’t have any meetings) allows me to do this best. Finding a quiet space is key.
Where do you pull inspiration from for your designs and collections?
Travel is a big source of inspiration. Some of my favorite designs were inspired by exploring a new place and culture, including Greece, Lisbon, and England.
What are your current favorite/go-to Sarah Flint shoes?
I’m very excited for our Spring collection - we’re launching a new “Perfect” style and using some really beautiful prints inspired by my trip to Lisbon, Portugal.
Sarah Flint fall 2019 pop-up in SoHo, NYC
SHOP TIMELESS STYLES
Enter code BALAURA50 at checkout for $50 Off first-time orders. Free shipping over $150. Free returns.
