Hidden Gems: Meet Visakha Shah of KIVVI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Visakha Shah.

Hi Visakha, 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 journey into footwear began long before I ever thought of starting a brand. When I was little, my father ran a footwear raw material manufacturing business. I would spend hours in his office, watching him work and helping wherever I could. That’s where my early love for footwear started to take shape. Eventually, my father lost his business and had to take up a corporate job to keep food on the table, but our home was always full of stories about business and entrepreneurship. Those conversations planted a seed in me. I always knew one day I wanted to build something of my own.

Growing up, I faced a very personal challenge: I have tiny feet, a size 4, and it was nearly impossible to find stylish shoes that fit me. I used to joke with my dad, ‘If you still had your workshop, I’d finally have the shoes I’ve been dreaming of.’ His response stuck with me. He reminded me I could still make them, even if it meant starting small with local cobblers. So, I designed a pair for myself, had it made, and wore it to work. To my surprise, people noticed immediately. They loved the design and asked where they could get a pair too.

That was the turning point for me. What started as trying to solve my own problem opened my eyes to a larger gap in the market. I decided to create footwear that was not just beautiful and comfortable, but also vegan, handmade, and sustainable. Today, every pair I design carries a piece of my story: my father’s influence, my own struggle to find shoes that fit, and my deep belief that fashion can be kinder to the planet without compromising on style. We also custom-make shoes according to size and design, so everyone feels included. This is how I arrived here and it’s only the beginning.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth it’s been full of twists and turns. I first started my footwear business in India in 2016 , where the ecosystem, suppliers, and customer base were very different. Just when I was getting into the flow, life brought me to the USA in 2020 and that was another roller coaster altogether. Setting up in a new country meant starting from scratch understanding a whole new market, learning the legal and business structures, and building a community from the ground up.

There were times when it felt overwhelming, but every challenge also became a lesson. I had to constantly adapt whether it was finding the right artisans, figuring out small-batch production, or educating people about vegan, handmade footwear. Looking back, I think the struggles shaped me as much as the successes did, and they remind me why I chose this path in the first place.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
KIVVI is a sustainable footwear brand that I started with the vision of bringing together comfort, culture, and conscious fashion. We design and handcraft vegan shoes that are not only stylish but also lightweight and comfortable enough for everyday wear. Each pair is carefully made using cruelty-free materials, and many of our designs are inspired by Indian textiles, prints, and craft traditions, giving them a unique story and cultural essence.

What sets us apart is the combination of personalization and purpose. We offer custom sizing and designs, which means even people with uncommon shoe sizes (like myself, being a size 4) can finally find stylish, well-fitted footwear. I’m most proud that our brand proves that fashion can be both ethical and aesthetic, shoes that feel good to wear and feel good to own.

More than just shoes, KIVVI represents a journey that began with solving my own problem, grew into a brand in India, and now continues in the USA. I want readers to know that every pair carries a little piece of that story, while also supporting local craftsmanship and sustainable choices.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
At KIVVI, we specialize in vegan, handmade footwear that’s both stylish and comfortable. Along with our collections, we also take bridal and custom orders, making pairs that are truly one-of-a-kind. Every order means the world to us, and I’m so grateful for the love and support that keeps this journey going.

Pricing:

• $65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kivvilifestyle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kivvionline
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kivvionline