In this week's edition of Trendsetters at Work, we're down under in Australia, where the seriously addictive design-your-dream-shoes site, Shoes of Prey, is headquartered.
Cofounder Jodie Fox helms the ultra-cool e-commerce company and flaunts a seriously chic style that inspires women all over the world to wear beautiful shoes all their own.
We sat down with the brunette beauty for an inside glimpse into her career background and stylish must-haves. Here's what we learned:
How did you get started in your career?
I am a banking and finance lawyer by trade, but I set out to solve a problem of my own—which was never being able to find the perfect shoe! In the same way that you find someone who will tailor a suit for you, I found someone who would commission my shoe designs. As my shoe shelf became more exciting, my girlfriends asked me to commission designs for them too. Concurrently my two business partners were at Google and very excited about the opportunities in online retail. With our passions combined, Shoes of Prey was born.
What is a typical day like for you?
Anything but typical! I can be almost anywhere in the world: New York, Tokyo, China, Sydney, Hong Kong...I may be sketching ideas for new designs, sourcing materials, filming interviews or content, meeting new people or spending time with my team.
Describe your work environment.
Creative, open space with a fun energy and enormous sense of possibility.
Tell us about your office decor or creative inspiration.
When we started Shoes of Prey, if I'd had to close my eyes to imagine the space we would be in...this would be it. Very high ceilings, white walls, industrial feel with surprising modern touches including long pewter chains hanging from the ceiling to separate spaces and an enormous table that our entire staff can sit around.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
You can see what I wear to work every day on my Instagram feed @jodieannefox. If I had to describe it, I would say that it is tailored, textured (normally with a hint of leather somewhere), feminine but not whimsical.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
There's no one brand or store that's a specific go-to for me, but I do regularly wear Bianca Spender, Carla Zampatti, Witchery and Net-A-Porter.
What are your beauty must-haves? Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, Armani foundation, YSL Touche Éclat, Lancôme eye balm, Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Handbalm.
You're surrounded by amazing shoes, but what are your other favorite brands of accessories?
Siobhan Way for jewels, Isabel Marant for sneakers, Shoes of Prey for every thing else in shoes splashed in with a little Nicholas Kirkwood and Giuseppe Zanotti for heels. Also, Sneaking Duck for glasses and Tom Ford for sunglasses.
My favorite thing in my office/on my desk is:
My watercolor paints and our 3-D printer.
The best part of my job is…My work is about the things I am truly passionate about—creativity, intuition and making someone feel totally fabulous.
I never leave home without…Dior Addict Lip Maximiser.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Salted caramel gelato.
You mentioned you travel all over the world for work. What do you always pack in your suitcase?
Cashmere hoodie, Armani cape, Sass and Bide Blackrat leggings, Isabel Marant Bekkets, Rimowa suitcase, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, eye drops, a silk eye mask and ear plugs.
What fuels you during the day?
Lunch: Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Snack: chocolate. Morning beverage: either a latte or French Earl Grey tea.
My favorite gadgets for work and play: iPhone, Macbook Pro retina display.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…Sipping an espresso at a bar in Rome!
And finally, what is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Do everything before you are ready!