A shoe brand that believes that you don’t need high heels to feel amazing. Josefinas Portugal was founded in 2013 by Filipa Júlio and is a woman’s dream for women!
We are all about women empowerment and the feel of “Proud to be a Woman”, after all, Behind the Scenes NYC was founded by the Brazilian entrepreneur and dreamer, Fê Paronetto. She wanted to show people what New York City is really about, away from the touristy scene.
Our Contributor, Laura Peruchi, interviewed Sofia Oliveira, from Josefinas Portugal!
Josefinas is a luxury shoes company from Portugal that started online in Europe. They’ve just opened last month their first flagship store in New York City.
The flats and the sneakers are handmade, which certainly makes the shoes undoubtedly special and unique. Plus, Josefinas’ story and trajectory is surely inspirational.
The quote ‘Never give up’ has always defined the brand’s path.
Filipa Júlio, the Founder, named the brand after her grandmother. She made Filipa’s life a special adventure, especially when she took her to ballet class as a kid.
We talked with Sofia Oliveira, one of the Co-Founders that joined Filipa in her journey. She graduated in Communications & Press Relations, but she always loved Fashion and Josefinas was a natural step in her career.
Along with Filipa and Maria Cunha, she’s part of the team that founded Josefinas.
She explains: “Josefinas was founded in 2013 from a woman’s dream – Filipa – and other women that joined her. Our shoes were created to inspire women to achieve their dreams. It’s a woman’s dream for women”.
How is the manufacturing process of Josefinas’ shoes?
We are obsessed with savoir-faire – a French expression that means “expertise”. That’s why each Josefinas’ pair of shoes is so special. They are all individually handmade by expert craftsmen based in Portugal.
Can you explain a little bit about Josefinas’ values and philosophy?
Josefinas has three main values.
First, is the savoir-faire. We work with the best Portuguese craftsmen to create Josefinas’ magic. The hands of these artists have years of history in the art of making shoes. They have passion and pride in creating. Naturally, they create pieces of art.
Our second value is women empowerment. We believe in women power. Our mission is inspiring women to believe in their dreams until they come true. Where can your Josefinas can take you? Wherever you want them to!
Last but not least, we have the Customer’s “WOW”. We believe that our Customers are the best in the world, that’s why we believe in always exceeding their expectations. We have a person focused on this: our Chief Officer of Customer Delight.
What about the Josefinas’ styles? What’s your favorite?
Honestly, it’s impossible to have just one favorite. All styles are beautiful! Currently, I am obsessed with Josefinas’ Louise Green Tree, Cleopatra Classic Black and the Red Lisbon.
Josefinas believes in women empowerment and that it’s not necessary to wear high heels to be amazing, right?
It’s important – and we believe – that women should feel good with themselves. They have to believe, feel and use their power. There is nothing stronger than women empowerment! We are a live example of that.
Why did you chose New York City to open the first Josefinas flagship?
Why NOT New York City? The United States is an important market for Josefinas and it’s the perfect place to affirm us as luxury brand.
For you, in which way is Josefinas’ shoes and New York women related?
It’s excellent, not just for New York women, but also for women around the world. In addition to appreciating the quality and design of Josefinas’ shoes, they also connect with the brand’s values and purpose. This makes us extremely proud.
To finish, what are your favorites spots in New York?
I’m going to suggest three places to eat that I simply love: The Butcher’s Daughter – I can’t highlight anything specific, because I adore everything about them; Rubirosa has the most divine pizza and By Chloe because of it’s classic vegan burger.
Hours:
Monday: 11am – 7pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Location: 252 Elizabeth Street
Written by our Contributor Laura Peruchi
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Josefinas
*Last Update on March/2020.*