Have you ever been in someone’s design studio? Neither had I! What makes the Freda Salvador design studio so special is that it’s IN their store! Now you don’t need special access to see the creative process in action.

I couldn’t stop staring at all of Megan and Cristina’s tear sheets, sketches and samples! I such a kid in a fashion candy store. I was lucky enough to sit down with the dynamic Freda Salvador duo before they jetted off on a sourcing and production trip in Italy and Spain. I wanted to pick their brain about their inspiration and about being entrepreneurs.

Here’s what they had to say:

What makes your shoe collection different and special?

“We feel our line and design philosophy stands out from others because of our commitment to using high quality leather and components… and our attention to detail when it comes to fit and design.  We want our shoes to last season after season and to be our customers’ ‘go-to’ everyday shoe. Therefore, they have to look and feel great.  Our tag line is cutting edge style, versatility and wearability. We follow that mantra every time we design!”

What gave you the idea/made you want to start Freda Salvador?

“We were both working for another designer and it got frustrating to design within boundaries for another brand.  We had so many ideas for really edgy, young, fun, yet “infinitely walkable” shoes that we wanted to explore. We don’t wear sandals and were tired of ballet shoes. We wanted to create the next flat everyday shoe that, no matter how it’s worn, will always look cool and interesting. We believed there is a big open space in the market right now for this genre of shoes. Luckily, retailers, press, and women everywhere agree!”

What is it like starting a business with a friend?

“Awesome!  We started off as colleagues/peers and had such a great synergy designing together, so when we started traveling for work, we became fast friends. Now we have such a mutual respect for each other that it really is easy and FUN to work together everyday!”

If you had one piece of advice to give to fledgling entrepreneurs, or one thing you’ve learned about business that you never would have otherwise considered, what would it be? 

Only start something that you are uber passionate about!  Starting a business is literally a 24/7 job. You have to love every minute of what you are doing so when you run into obstacles, giving up is not even an option. You fight harder and want it more.  FREDA does not feel like “work” to us at all…we are really blessed that we can throw all of our energy into something that we love so much and that people are responding well to.

What would you like to tell your 25-year-old self?

Cristina: “Don’t plan a wedding and start a business at the same time!  Not smart!  Actually, I feel really lucky, I am only 28, so I wouldn’t change much.  Now, if I were talking to my 18-year-old self, that would be a long conversation!”

Megan: “To enjoy every minute with friends relaxing, traveling, working, etc.  Now that I am a mom, my time is no longer my own!  I was crazy in my 20’s…I literally moved every year.  I wouldn’t change that I did that…I would have just appreciated it more and maybe would have explored even more places!”

I cannot thank Megan and Cristina enough for inviting us into their fantastic Freda Salvador world. I hope you enjoyed it and found it as inspirational as I did!

original photography by emily scott for apartment 34