One day while scrolling through the #ihavethisthingwithpink community, I came across an Instagram post of the most magnificent pair of shoes. Not just any pair of shoes mind you, but a pair of leather pink oxford shoes. Clutch the pearls and somebody fan me! I need these beauties in my life. I was crushing hard and my little ticker was just a beating. Mission “Must Find Pink Oxford Shoes” was in full effect.
Immediately I tapped the image looking for tags. Nothing. I started Googling pink oxford shoes. Hmmm, broaden the search for pink shoes…ya no, only heels popped up…I wanted oxfords…pretty pink oxford shoes. I couldn’t believe it, I was coming up empty-handed. Not being one to give up easily, and after a bit more frantic stalking searching, I finally found the designer and maker — Cristha Fuentes. I immediately stalked her on Facebook emailed her and begged her politely to ask where I could buy a pair for myself.
Scroll For The Interview with Cristha Fuentes Shoes
Much to my dismay, I was out of luck. These puppies were only available in Guatemala. Whomp. Whomp. Well boo, I was suddenly one sad kitten…that is up until last Sunday! UTZ Market, a high-quality, ethically sourced company that partners with amazing artists from Guatemala like Cristha Fuentes shoes launched their US website! She launched her crazy cool shoes (and boots…yes, there’s more than just pink oxfords) line with the UTZ market. To celebrate, I asked Cristha if she would like to be a part of the Makers & Shakers series. A way to get up close and personal and give you an introduction to someone I think is completely rad and the inside track on some incredible footwear. Thankfully, she happily obliged.
How did you become interested in fashion? How did you launch Cristha Fuentes Shoes?
Cristha Fuentes: I think I’ve always been interested in fashion; when I was little (6 years old) I used to really enjoy watching fashion shows. Even if none of the outfits made sense for most of my friends at that age, they somehow made sense to me; the beautiful shapes and the colors are shown in the runways became my main subject when playing with my Barbies. While growing up creativity and aesthetics were essential, I was obsessed with making everything visually attractive, my notebooks, my outfits, my bedroom, even my typography!
I always knew I wanted to become a designer, I was so sure of what I wanted, that school became a struggle for me, I couldn’t wait to finish it and start designing. I wanted it so badly that In my last 2 years of High School I enrolled myself in a minor degree Fashion Design program; 5 months before finishing high school and getting my minor, a famous magazine here in Guatemala launched a Fashion Contest, I send my designs, and I ended up being one of the 10 winners (the youngest one). That meant I was going to exhibit my designs at one of the biggest runways of Guatemala at that time, it was one of the happiest moments in my life and an experience that taught me a lot about myself. That moment was the beginning of everything, it was a big blessing and I treasure it.
Being where I am right now has a lot to do with God’s favor in my life and with a LOT of hard work, God has been good by opening doors, and I’ve been wise enough to enter them… it has been teamwork as well. Of course, none of these would have been possible without the love and support from my family, they’ve been with me all along the journey.
What was the first shoe design you created?
Cristha Fuentes: That’s a really good question! It was a pink puffy dress (which if you ask me, I hate now), as I told you before, I really like exploring new shapes and at the time I was really inspired by Impressionist paintings, the soft and gentle brush strokes were my design concept. It was also the first design I ever sold, my sister’s friend saw a photo of the design on Facebook and asked me to do a longer version for her Prom, she became my first customer! Here’s a photo if you want to see it (keep in mind I was 16 years old, and pink bows were a big thing at the moment) (So I don’t know about you guys, but I kinda love it! And if I created this at age 16, I’d be stoked!)
Out of all your designs, what is your favorite piece? Why?
Cristha Fuentes: I guess right now my mountain boots, mostly because they are super comfy and match with everything. Also, they really reflect my personality, they are not too tomboy, nor too girly, I think they are a perfect balance, I wear them all the time.
I’m told the pink oxfords will have a donation made to a charity. Can you tell us more about it?
Cristha Fuentes: I’m a true supporter of girl power. I believe that when we join forces, amazing things can happen. I’ve always felt an especial kind of admiration for breast cancer fighters because they are fighting not only with a physical disease but also with their minds, society, everything. It really requires a lot of determination to go through something like that. I’ve always wanted to help but didn’t know how, donating hair is great! But it wasn’t for me, so I came up with the idea of designing a special design dedicated to this cause and to the fighters and survivors and everyone who is facing in some way this disease. I made an alliance with Breast Cancer organization here in Guatemala, and for every pair we sell, we’ll donate mammography to women in need.
As a fun surprise, and completely unbeknownst to Cristha, House Of Hipsters will be making a donation to this same organization. Gotta pay it forward, and I think it’s an absolutely fabulous cause. If you’d also like to donate, head on over.
Before we wrap things up with Cristha Fuentes Shoes, I always like to ask a few fun rapid-fire questions, so let’s get a little crazy, shall we?
Favorite color?
Dark blue and pink. (Girl after my own heart! My favorites as well.)
Favorite food?
Tom Yam Soup and Caldo de Res (Guatemalan dish), I really love soups and spicy food.
Favorite song?
Todo se transforma-Jorge Drexler
If you could take one item and one human with you to a deserted island, what and who would you take?
Can I say Johnny Depp and some rum? (Umm, yes. Always yes when it comes to Mr. Depp!) Haha just kidding. To be honest, I don’t know, I guess mosquito repellent, a bunch of great books and I really enjoy my solitude so having a deserted island just for me would be perfect.
Cristha, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me and letting me stalk you like a crazy person for your pink oxford shoes. They are truly amazing. I absolutely adore them!
And in case you all were interested in a couple of my other favorite things at UTZ Market, I’m currently coveting:
Leather Tote with Hand-Woven Textile…(no longer available) ummm, gorgeous!
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