Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This week we're thrilled to be featuring Kathryn Eisman, journalist, author, model, style influencer and editor of the lifestyle blog, High Heel Jungle! Kathryn is also the creator of High Heel Jungle Apparel, a luxurious, fashion-forward sock line designed to elevate a woman’s mood and her everyday dressing. We say, they're a fabulous must-have!
Describe your business philosophy:
Heart driven, Fearless, Passionate, Fashion forward.
What inspired you to go into business?
I've worked in fashion for over ten years, first as a model, then as a reporter and producer for NBC in New York and E! News. I had seen every type of fashion item imaginable, but I couldn’t find a pair of socks that felt really luxurious and fun and that instantly gave my outfit that ‘fashion’ point of view, so I created High Heel Jungle Socks!
I’d wear them while interviewing celebrities for my TV show and almost everyone from Lucy Hale to Lupita Nyong’o stopped the interview to ask about them and wanted a pair. The business grew from there! www.HighHeelJungle.Shop
When did you know you, “made it?”
I don’t think you ever feel like you’ve “made it” because the goalposts keep shifting and because success looks like a million daily challenges. Instead, I feel I’ve had some big breaks along the way that allowed me to do what I do and keep growing and learning. I remember when my first couple of books, How To Tell A Man By His Shoes and How To Tell A Woman By Her Handbag were published and became international bestsellers allowing me to move from Sydney to New York. Then when I was contracted as NBC’s youngest on-air reporter for NBC in New York I felt so grateful to be able to grow as a journalist and learn from the best. A few weeks after I had my first daughter I was hired to be the head of fashion and Lifestyle at E! News in LA which was a fascinating deep dive into pop culture. Today in addition to my TV work, I run my blog www.HighHeelJungle.com and head our fashion sock line www.HighheelJungle.SHOP, both of which I find tremendously fulfilling. The truth is, professionally I don’t think we ever “make it”, but when I look at my family that’s when I feel the deepest level of satisfaction and am grateful I made that.
Who is your mentor?
Any women who have managed to balance a rich family life with a career because both require so much energy and time.
What’s your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business?
Just start! When you think about everything you need to learn and do to start and run a successful business you’d never start! So just think about where you want to end up and then take it one step at a time. Trust that you’ll figure it out as you go.
What does “me” time mean to you?
Now that my second child is now 3 months old I’m slowly getting back into exercise and really enjoying it. Doing a pilates class or a hike feels good for my mind, body, and soul.
What‘s on your bedside table?
Why People Fail by Siimon Reyonds.
Words to live by - Share your favorite quote!
High Heel Jungle Socks motto, “Life’s short, wear what makes you happy.”
To learn more head to, http://highheeljungle.com/.
Photo credit: Kymberly Marciano for Mini Maven
