Today we’d like to introduce you to Birgit Sas-Sundquest.
Hi Birgit, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Empress of Heels was founded by me, Birgit Sas-Sundquest, I have an unwavering love for shoes, particularly high heels. After resigning from my corporate job in finance, I first started with a webshop where I would only sell high heels from small European designers. Then Covid hit us all, and my webshop came to a standstill, as people were not going out anymore, there weren’t any parties or weddings to go to, and everybody worked from home.
During the first year of Covid I went outside a lot and walked around; I noticed nature was thriving. I still had my love for high heels, and when I saw how nature was healing, I decided that I wanted to have my own high heels brand made as sustainable as possible. I love animals and don’t want to wear them, so my heels needed to be vegan.
After an excessive search for vegan materials, I ended up with the first collection made from a mix of corn fiber and recycled plastic bottles. This collection, handmade in Italy, was launched in the beginning of 2022 but colors were limited, and the fit wasn’t as comfortable as I hoped.
In 2023 I got in touch with a Polish shoemaker, his grandfather started a shoe factory in 1927. We both love shoes and find a good fit the most important part of the shoe. In May of 2023 I visited his factory, met his employees and we spoke about my desire to make comfortable, classic heels without compromising on style and 100% vegan.
In November of 2023 our first collection, handmade in Poland, made with vegan leather that contains at least 25% apple waste was launched.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was far from smooth sailing, from the start of my company in 2019 I had a lot of obstacles to conquer. First of all, finding small designers to sell in my first web shop was a challenge. Then Covid hit, then I found a supplier in Italy who made gorgeous shoes, but the fit wasn’t right for my customers. So, I had to find a new shoe manufacturer who understood where I am coming from. I find it extremely important that not only my shoes are made with the best vegan materials possible but also that the people who work on my shoes get paid a decent living wage, have a safe work environment, and there is no child labour involved. To make things more complicated, I want all my materials to be made in Europe so the European rules & regulations apply, and the transport distances are shorter, so there is less fuel, etc., needed for transport.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
With Empress of Heels, we specialize in the classic heels. But the twist is that all our heels are made from the best vegan leathers and materials available. We want to be able to provide staple pieces for everyone who loves the classic heels.
What sets our heels apart is not only the materials used but also the comfort of the heels. For example, our heels have an ultra-moist absorbing lining, so no more sweaty feat. The outsole is from flexible thunit, so it helps to prevent burning feet as you can walk more easily, and the insole is made from latex that provides a soft cushion under your feet. Besides that, we also have all colors available in 3 heel heights.
Empress of Heels not only looks after nature, but we also support The Gouves Animal Shelter on the island of Crete in Greece. We are in a fortunate position, and we strongly believe it’s our responsibility to look after the people and the animals that are less fortunate.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many fond memories, from holidays with my family to always having animals around. And, of course, my love for high heels started with my grandmother’s shoe collection.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.empressofheels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empress_of_heels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empressofheels
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empress-of-heels/
