Today we’d like to introduce you to Najwa Javed.
Hi Najwa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My background is in podiatric surgery, which is foot and ankle surgery. I am a board-certified and have focused the last 15 years of my career in limb salvage and trauma. One thing that I heavily focus on is biomechanical health and stability. My goal is to optimize my patients health to keep them doing the things they love. One aspect of this is optimization of footwear. I am an expert in orthotics, which are orthopedic devices that go into shoes. These devices are sometimes hard to fit in shoes because of their bulk. Orthotics can limit people to only wearing athletic shoes which have very little style. Over the years, my patients became tired of these podiatrist recommended devices that kept them from looking or feeling a certain way. That’s how I started to research shoes and how they are made. Immediately, I realized that there was a lack of innovation in the shoe gear industry, specifically within the high heel space. This is when I started to toy with the idea of building my luxury footwear brand, E’MAR, which marries style and science and is a high-heel lover’s dream brand.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
E’mar, my brand, epitomizes the fusion of avant-garde fashion and medical innovation, drawing on my extensive 15-year tenure as a foot and ankle surgeon in Silicon Valley. A decade ago, my vision sparked when I noticed a scarcity of chic yet therapeutic footwear options for patients grappling with foot discomfort. Determined to address this gap, I immersed myself in the world of athletic footwear, emerging as a trusted advisor on optimal support for various foot types. Witnessing a surge in demand for luxurious shoe recommendations among my clientele, I couldn’t ignore the stark disparity between prevailing designs and practicality. Refusing to settle, I shifted my focus to crafting custom inlays tailored to ease discomfort in high heels. Despite facing resistance from traditional footwear manufacturers, predominantly male-dominated, I pressed on, founding E’mar to revolutionize women’s footwear. Collaborating with esteemed artisans in Italy, I meticulously refined my designs, integrating patent-pending inlays to rebalance the medial arch and alleviate pressure, seamlessly blending style with functionality. Beyond innovation, E’mar is committed to sustainability, embracing vegan materials and eco-conscious manufacturing processes. Driven by my dedication to female empowerment, E’mar actively champions women-led initiatives and charitable causes, embodying our ethos of uniting fashion with compassion. Despite initial setbacks during the pandemic, E’mar’s resurgence reflects a growing demand among women for footwear that marries elegance with comfort. Looking ahead, I envision a future where women no longer sacrifice comfort for fashion, embracing a new era of innovation and empowerment, one step at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of E’MAR. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
E’MAR, founded in January 2020 by a surgeon, specializes in biomechanically corrective high heels. Our patented inlay technology redistributes pressure, offering stability and comfort. Proudly named after Greek for “art and science,” our Meraki, Aiden, and Raya pumps boast genuine Italian leather, multilayer foam padding, and a heart-shaped grip pattern. Combining style and sustainability, we’re introducing sustainable options over the next seasons. Each design undergoes rigorous testing for optimal comfort and support at every heel height. E’MAR: where style meets science for confident steps forward.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up as an American Pakistani in Oklahoma presented its challenges; I was shy and diligent, graduating high school at 17 and earning a BS in Biochemistry by 20. Further studies led to a master’s in clinical research and biostatistics before embarking on podiatric medical school with a scholarship. Completing my residency at the Stanford/VA Palo Alto Consortium, specializing in limb salvage, set the stage for what was to come. The inception of E’MAR emerged unexpectedly; as a foot and ankle surgeon, I recognized the gap between stylish heels and foot support. Despite initial training advising against heels, I realized their significance in empowering women, prompting intensive research. This journey culminated in the development of E’MAR, redefining footwear by marrying biomechanical innovation with fashion, fulfilling a lifelong passion to revolutionize comfort in high heels.
Pricing:
- 375.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopemar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop_emar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emaritaly
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71305881/admin/feed/posts/
